‘Impossible’: Carlos Alcaraz slams Roger Federer comparisons after Laver Cup victory

BERLIN – Carlos Alcaraz rejected comparisons to 20-time Grand Slam winner Roger Federer after helping Team Europe win the Laver Cup with his victory over Taylor Fritz on September 22.

Playing for the first time in the tournament held in Berlin, the capital of Germany, the 21-year-old Spaniard became the champion by defeating American Fritz 6-2, 7-5.

Having lost the last two events, Team Europe needed a 6-7 (5-7), 7-5, 10-5 comeback win by local player Alexander Zverev over Frances Tiafoe to take the tournament to the final match between Alcaraz and Fritz.

The four-time Grand Slam champion was compared to top seed Federer following his victory, but Alcaraz said such a comparison with the Swiss legend was “impossible”.

“I’m far from that level,” he insisted. “I hope to get there one day, but it’s really impossible.”

Alcaraz, who won the French Open and Wimbledon this season, had never played in the event before and praised his team for their victory.

“It’s great. We can all be proud. I’m really happy. We all did a pretty good job throughout the days. It was one of the best,” added the Spaniard.

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

On September 21, the World Team appeared to be in a dominant position as Ben Shelton and Alejandro Tabilo cruised to an 8-4 victory over Stefanos Tsitsipas and Casper Ruud.

But captain Bjorn Borg’s Team Europe entered the final day in a competitive fashion, with Alcaraz teaming with Ruud to take three points and narrow the gap to 8-7 in an early doubles match, beating Shelton and Tiafoe 6-2, 7-6 (8-6).

Shelton’s 6-7 (6-8), 7-5, 10-7 win over Daniil Medvedev extended his lead over the World Team as the John McEnroe-captained team moved ever closer to a third consecutive title.

But Zverev gave the Europeans hope by beating Tiafoe and Alcaraz triumphed in a thrilling final session.