Carlos Alcaraz proved to be the most valuable player for Team Europe at the 2024 Laver Cup, earning them 8 of the 13 points needed to win the event.
The 2024 Laver Cup was won by Team Europe, which bested Team World 13-11 overall. Alcaraz was the most important player in that victory. He played four matches in total, and while he lost the first doubles match, the Spaniard then won his singles match on the second day, earning two points.
He followed that up by winning the final day’s doubles match with Casper Ruud, securing 3 more points. Finally, he defeated Taylor Fritz in the last match of the event, which was the deciding match for the overall victory.
The most impressive part was that Alcaraz bested Fritz in straight sets, despite many expecting a close match. After the match, Alcaraz was asked about the nickname he earned at the event, "Fed05," due to his outstanding performances this year.
The nickname draws a comparison to what Roger Federer achieved in 2005, one of his most dominant seasons. However, the Spaniard quickly dismissed the comparisons, humbly stating that he’s not on Federer’s level, not even close, in his own words.
I’m too far from that level. I’m too far. Hopefully one day, but I mean, it’s going to be impossible. So they have to change my name because ‘Fed 05’ is going to be forever him.
Despite being the player who contributed the most to his team’s victory, the 21-year-old didn't take all of the credit. He pointed out that Alexander Zverev played a crucial role as well.
Zverev's comeback win over Tiafoe was what essentially gave Alcaraz the chance to face Fritz, so ultimately, it was the German who delivered the most important win, and Alcaraz admitted he was very nervous during most of it.
"It’s been a really tough one. I’m going to say it, we almost lost. But Sascha [Zverev] came with really good tennis and gave me the chance to win the Laver Cup."
"The first set I was there supporting, watching it live. It’s really difficult to watch the matches from the outside. There are a lot of nerves killing us."
It was a close match that could have gone either way. Tiafoe had a break in hand in the second set after winning the first, bringing him very close to winning the match and the tournament.
However, Zverev stayed in it, and Alcaraz was then able to complete the fightback from Team Europe, who were down 4-8 after the second day.
"And then I tried to stay away a little bit. Obviously I was watching on the TV inside the locker room, trying to give my support from there. I came back to watch the last game of the second set and then obviously I had to warm up. But the nerves were there. I didn’t know if I’m going to play or not. But I’m really happy that Sascha won in the end and gave me the chance to play once again."
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