Carlos Alcaraz explains what Grigor Dimitrov and Bjorn Borg are doing at the Laver Cup that he’s not used to

BERLIN, GERMANY – SEPTEMBER 21: Carlos Alcaraz of Team Europe looks to return a ball against Ben Shelton of Team World during the Men’s Singles match on day two of Laver Cup at Uber Arena on September 21, 2024 in Berlin, Germany. (Photo by Francisco Macia/Quality Sport Images/Getty Images)

In the first match of the Laver Cup singles competition, Carlos Alcaraz defeated Ben Shelton in straight sets to initiate his singles competition.

Following the disappointing loss of Carlos Alcaraz and Alexander Zverev to the American duo Taylor Fritz and Ben Shelton in a doubles match that was played on the opening night, the twenty-year-old player needed to deliver a strong performance for Team Europe.

After Frances Tiafoe defeated Daniil Medvedev in a magnificent tie-break in the third set, Alcaraz was once again challenged by the powerfully serving Shelton. This time, Alcaraz was playing immediately after the match.

This is Alcaraz’s first time competing on the traditional black court of the Laver Cup, and he did so with the same self-assured manner that he has always displayed.

With the help of a strategic and potent selection of shots, the clinical Spaniard was able to achieve a decisive break of serve in each set, resulting in a 6-4, 6-4 victory.Carlos Alcaraz is taking pleasure in the ‘unique’ team environment that the Laver Cup provides.
According to Zverev, Alcaraz is already considered a tennis legend, despite the fact that he has won four major titles. Despite this, the twenty-year-old is still facing new challenges on tour.

Alcaraz appears to be enthralled by the entire event as he sits next to Grigor Dimitrov, a player who is somewhere between the first and second generations of tennis players.

When asked about the pressure that comes with playing for your teammates rather than just for yourself, he stated, “There is more pressure playing for your teammates than there is for yourself, but there is also more support.” The fact that Grigor and Stefanos were both there to offer me guidance was incredible.

Despite the fact that Dimitrov and Tsitsipas were victorious in their singles matches, the Greek player ultimately suffered a defeat in the doubles match against Casper Ruud.