Carlos Alcaraz had Roger Federer on his mind as he reached another milestone at the Laver Cup, matching the Swiss legend’s 18-point tally after a dramatic victory over Taylor Fritz. The Spaniard also offered an insight into another decision shaping his approach to the competition, explaining why he does not want to add more doubles to an already demanding schedule.
Alcaraz kept Team Europe alive in London by beating Fritz 6-3, 4-6, 12-10 in one of the most dramatic matches of the weekend. The Spaniard saved two match points in the deciding match tiebreak before finishing the contest with a trademark drop shot.
The victory was particularly important after Europe had lost the opening singles match of the day, with Alexander Zverev beaten by Alex de Minaur. Alcaraz's two points brought the European team level with Team World at 5-5 before Zverev and Casper Ruud won the doubles match to put Europe ahead 7-5.
The result also continued Alcaraz's strong record at the Laver Cup. He has now collected 18 points from 10 matches, matching Federer's total despite having played two fewer matches than the competition's co-founder. Only Zverev and Jack Sock have accumulated more points in the event.
Alcaraz had Federer milestone in mind
Federer's 18 points had not escaped Alcaraz's attention. Speaking after his victory over Fritz, the Spaniard admitted that he knew exactly what was at stake statistically and described matching one of the defining figures in Laver Cup history as an incredible achievement.
“It’s incredible. I had it in mind. To be third right now, tied with Roger, is incredible," the Spaniard said according to Marca. "We try to help the team as much as we can, in every possible way. And honestly, I’m happy that the statistic reflects the help I’m giving Team Europe every time I come.”
The comparison carries particular weight because Federer remains one of the central figures behind the competition. He played 12 matches across his Laver Cup career, winning eight and losing four, with all four defeats coming in doubles.
Alcaraz has reached the same 18-point mark while winning eight of his 10 matches (4-1 singles, 4-1 doubles). His contribution has also come at a time when he is rebuilding his rhythm after injury and trying to reach his best physical level before the Asian swing.
The Spaniard explained that the team environment has helped him through the more stressful moments of competition.
“Having a team behind me reminds me that I play for them too, that they support me in stressful moments. I’m very happy for them and for the victory because I think it was very important considering how the score was.”
Laver Points Won
| Player | Points Won | Total matches | Singles Points (W-L) | Doubles Points (W-L) |
| Alexander Zverev | 21 | 17 | 17-11 | 4-5 |
| Jack Sock | 20 | 16 | 1-4 | 19-5 |
| Carlos Alcaraz | 18 | 10 | 10-2 | 8-2 |
| Roger Federer | 18 | 12 | 15-0 | 3-8 |
| John Isner | 15 | 11 | 5-11 | 15-13 |
| Taylor Fritz | 15 | 12 | 14-6 | 1-2 |
| Casper Ruud | 14 | 11 | 6-1 | 8-4 |
Why Alcaraz is avoiding more doubles
While Alcaraz has embraced the team aspect of the Laver Cup, he is not interested in taking on more doubles simply for the sake of contributing another point. “I’m an explosive player and after matches I have to recover well. If I take that time to play doubles, it doesn’t help my individual career.”
The decision also fits into Alcaraz's wider approach to his physical recovery. He revealed that he had spent almost a week away from his racket before the Laver Cup and felt that the break had helped him return with a better physical base.
“I spent almost a week without touching the racket and it helped me. Little by little I’m getting back to my level. And the serve is something I’m still working on and I’ve made a couple of changes.”
Read also
His victory over Fritz nevertheless showed that there is still work to do. Alcaraz was pushed through a high-intensity contest and admitted that these matches are useful in assessing exactly where his game stands.
“Taylor’s level didn’t surprise me. The intensity of the shots was very high and it is nice for the fans watching from the outside. These matches help me see where my level is.”
The Spaniard will now look to build on that progress as the season moves towards the Asian swing. For Alcaraz, matching Federer has provided another Laver Cup milestone, while his decision over doubles underlines a broader priority: protecting his body while continuing to raise his singles level.
Cristhián AvilaTennis Journalist
Cristhián Ávila is a tennis journalist based in Santiago, Chile, and has been part of the TennisUpToDate team since early 2023. He covers the ATP and WTA Tours as well as all four Grand Slams, producing breaking news, match reports, analysis, and regular liveblogs from major tournaments.
His reporting combines statistical analysis with clear explanation, helping readers understand tactical developments, player form, and broader storylines across the tour. Working fluently in both Spanish and English, Cristhián collaborates with an international editorial team and contributes to comprehensive global coverage. As part of his work, he has conducted interviews and media interactions with leading figures in the sport, including Caroline Wozniacki and John McEnroe.
In his journalism, Cristhián places strong emphasis on careful sourcing, editorial accuracy, and updating articles promptly when new, verified information becomes available. His coverage is grounded in research, context, and direct engagement with professional tennis.
claps 0visitors 0
Just In
Popular News
Latest Comments
- One step by another step -- WTA continues to 'lose the plot'. Too many hi-tech microphones being installed at most venues!!! Remove them (especially those along the hallways, sidewalks, and pathways throughout the venues. Not to mention (most of all) remove the mic's from the Players/Coaches Box.
mandoist06-11-2026 - Enough of her bullshit. Go marry someone.mandoist06-11-2026
- Don't you just love this young lady!? We fans often expect athletes to be supermen and superwomen, often forgetting that they WILL GET TIRED! I love Alex's perspective. Tiredness for an athlete should never be viewed as a negative, especially if you are healthy, taking care of your body and mental health and putting in the work. What a mature perspective. Good for you, Alex!Rapunzel05-11-2026
- Jess is absolutely correct! But the disrespect is a trait I have noticed in most of the Russian players. Mirra is good but very immature and lacks humility. Conceivable needs to get a handle on that!Rapunzel05-11-2026
- Having spent weeks and weeks through the years on tour, I can say with confidence that Conchita was (is) one of the very few who realize the surprising level of maturity (and sometimes lack of) which Mirra seems to have developed in such a demanding adult world of Pro-Tennis. While at the same time reminding herself (Conchita, that is) that Mirra is still young and developing mentally and physically. The general public may forget at times, or not at all realize, these modern era young athletes do not have a 'normal' Youth. It's a major sacrifice, among countless sacrifices, these athletes must make. People who blow-off that fact are ignorant and unfair when they blurt out, "They choose fame so they have to put up with the intrusions on their lives". No, they do not.mandoist05-11-2026
- Okay... someone with a camera was EAVESDROPPING on a private conversation. Shouldn't that be the point of discussion here? Regardless of the sensationalist crap by media, Pegula (and anyone) has a right to an opinion. There used to be an expectation that private conversations were respected, regardless of 'stardom' and whatever other defensive excuses media tries to shove in our faces. Boo-hoo if feelings are hurt. BTW: Having been employed at various tourney venues, etc., I can't tell you how nasty and offensive players can be when discussing their opponents and colleagues... in "private". Well, I could, but won't. I also challenge anyone to deny what Jessica said is false.mandoist05-11-2026
- Vacherot is Mongasque, rather than Swiss. The tournament was Swiss :DTrwd7702-11-2026
- After a couple decades traveling to IIHF tourneys overseas... our family is done with it... and I will not be the only one!! Bad enough the NHL allows Ovachenko (a Putin Supporter and Campaigner) to live and play in the USA. Let's not forget the STATE SPONSORED RUSSIAN DOPING PROGRAMS still in effect today.mandoist31-10-2026
- Osaka's mental state apparently does not allow her to reach any more Quarter Finals? I mean, she doesn't really have the time for tennis with all the pre-planning that must go into her 12 year-old "fashion" goals.mandoist29-10-2026
- With her money one would think she could afford a better team of Psychiatrists?mandoist29-10-2026
