Carlos Alcaraz: “I will miss Nadal at the Laver Cup”

Carlos Alcarazwho debuted at the Laver Cup of tennis as one of the leaders of the European team, is satisfied with the love shown by the public, counting on his presence in Berlin to compete in this event where some of the best players in the world are part .

Alcaraz spoke to EFE after the competition’s presentation event, which was packed with a waiting public around the emblematic Brandenburg Gate in Berlin. The world number three mourned the loss of his compatriot Rafael Nadal, who he said will be “missed” at the tournament.

You are new to this competition but you are the most applauded by the fans.

I didn’t expect so many people and it was a very nice, very affectionate welcome. It’s my first time going to Berlin and it’s going to be a pretty special week. People’s love is always appreciated.

What do you expect from this Laver Cup?

Most of all enjoy. This is a unique event. It’s great to be surrounded by players that I usually play against all year and they’re there cheering me on. We will enjoy the weekend to the fullest and we will give everything to bring victory in Europe, which has not been achieved in two years.

How do you feel after the final Davis Cup tie?

The truth is they are very good. The goal is to qualify. We won all three heats and qualified first. You can’t ask for more. We did a great job. Personally, I tried to be as good as possible, to reach the best speed to help the team, and I left with great joy and a great feeling. My confidence increased and I was very happy to leave the Davis Cup.

The first day of the competition is Friday, are you looking forward to participating on that first day?

You have to see it. We need to talk to Björn Borg, the captain, to see how the days are.

The interesting thing about this format is that it means that the champion is not decided until the last day.

completely. This is one of the reasons why it is a unique event. The format is intense and beautiful. This is something we are not used to, but the good thing is that the bond is still alive until the last day and anything can happen until the end. It’s great for the players to have that adrenaline every day and also for the public.

Roger Federer said on Tuesday that he is “excited” for you to participate in the Laver Cup. What do those words evoke in you?

It’s unbelievable. I’ve always wanted to meet him. I had the option to warm up to Federer at Wimbledon earlier, but I didn’t talk to him much. Since I was on the circuit I would have liked to share more time, but not yet, I wish I could see it more here, at the Laver Cup, and spend more time. Having him in my games is a joy.

In connection with your Wimbledon meeting with him, Federer mentioned, somewhat jokingly, that he owed you an apology because he spent more time with his coach, Juan Carlos Ferrero, than with you.

Obviously I was able to train him because of Juan Carlos, who was with Roger the day before, and he told him that he was working with a junior. I didn’t speak much English then and I was surrounded by people the truth was the words didn’t come out. That’s why now I want to spend more time with him.

Are there any tennis players on the World Team that you are particularly interested in facing?

They are all high level and they are all dangerous. With Tiafoe they are always hard games with good points. I also want to measure myself against Fritz to see what my level is, because he plays tennis very well. All in all there will be good fights.

How does it feel to have Björn Borg as captain?

It’s incredible to be with a legend like Borg, to learn from him, to be at my games, to encourage me, to tell me things… It’s going to be a unique experience that I will go to remember for life.

Will Rafa Nadal be out of the competition?

Obviously Rafa is a great support for the team. Personally, he was fun to be around, so I will miss him here at the Laver Cup. Shame it fell through at the last minute. I hope to meet him soon and he better continue to enjoy his tennis.