Alcaraz on Laver Cup triumph: “I was nervous, but I played one of my best matches”

Carlos Alcaraz reflected on his victory over Taylor Fritz in the decisive match of the Laver Cup. The 4-time Grand Slam champion participated in the international competition for the first time and was the standout player for Team Europe, helping secure their 5th trophy.

When everything seemed to favor Team World, who only needed one more win to claim the title, Alexander Zverev made a stunning comeback against Frances Tiafoe, sending the competition to the final match between the young Spaniard and World No. 7 Fritz.

In a dominant performance, Alcaraz won 6-2, 7-5, clinching the title for Team Europe. “I was really, really happy, honestly. Obviously, our goal was to win the Laver Cup, and we did it,” the 4-time Grand Slam champion said. “I said it before the tournament, that I think winning the Laver Cup is great. Obviously, celebrating with them is an even better feeling, so personally, I’m really, really happy.”

A journalist asked Alcaraz if he could talk about the tension he felt entering the match or if he was nervous compared to other major finals he’s played. Dimitrov interrupted to ask Alcaraz why he didn’t show nerves against Fritz.

“That means I’m a pretty good actor, a very good actor,” the Spaniard said, laughing. “I was nervous, I’m not going to lie. After Sascha’s match, he did a really good job. It was time for me to do my job. I had to win, you know, after that comeback, I had to win mine. So I had nerves, I was a little bit nervous. I tried not to show Taylor that I was nervous, but I think I played one of my best matches so far, trying to stay as calm as I could and hit the ball as well as I could.”

“Compared to other tournaments, it’s a different feeling. Obviously, having them supporting me from behind is different. They tried to stay there and send me good energy all the time, and that made me feel really comfortable on the court, helping me shake off the nerves and play good tennis,” Alcaraz added.