‘Impossible’: Carlos Alcaraz shoots down Roger Federer comparisons after Laver Cup win

BERLIN – Carlos Alcaraz shot down comparisons with 20-time Grand Slam winner Roger Federer, moments after his victory over Taylor Fritz won the Laver Cup for Team Europe on Sept 22.

The 21-year-old Spaniard, playing in the tournament for the first time, beat American Fritz 6-2, 7-5 to win the tournament in the German capital of Berlin.

Team Europe had lost the past two events and needed a come-from-behind victory from local player Alexander Zverev against Frances Tiafoe, 6-7 (5-7), 7-5, 10-5, to send the tournament to the final match between Alcaraz and Fritz.

After his win, the four-time Grand Slam winner was compared to peak Federer, but Alcaraz said such a comparison with the Swiss great was “impossible”.

“I’m too far away from that level,” he insisted. “I hope I’ll reach it one day, but it’s really impossible.”

Alcaraz, who won the French Open and Wimbledon this season, had not played the event before and paid tribute to his team for their victory.

“It’s great. We can feel proud, all of us. I’m really happy. All of us did a pretty good job over the days. It’s been a top one,” the Spaniard added.

“I mean, it’s been a really tough one… We almost lost, but Sasha (Zverev) came with some really good tennis and gave me a chance to win the Laver Cup.”

Team World looked in a commanding position on Sept 21 when Ben Shelton and Alejandro Tabilo defeated Stefanos Tsitsipas and Casper Ruud to put them 8-4 up.

However, captain Bjorn Borg’s Team Europe came into the final day of competition full of fight and Alcaraz teamed up with Ruud to defeat Shelton and Tiafoe 6-2, 7-6 (8-6) in the early doubles match to take three points and reduce the deficit to 8-7.

Team World extended their lead when Shelton beat Daniil Medvedev 6-7 (6-8), 7-5, 10-7, putting the team captained by John McEnroe within touching distance of a third consecutive title.

However, Zverev gave the Europeans hope when he overcame Tiafoe to send the competition into a thrilling final session where Alcaraz wrapped up victory.