Carlos Alcaraz rejects 'impossible' Roger Federer nickname after Laver Cup triumph
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Updated 22/09/2024 at 21:37 GMT
Carlos Alcaraz rejected his new nickname after winning the Laver Cup for Team Europe. The opposition had dubbed him 'Fed 05' in reference to the onlooking Roger Federer's all-conquering 2005 season. But Alcaraz said it would be "impossible" for him to reach the same level as the Laver Cup's founder, despite pulling off a stunning triumph in the winner-takes-all decider against Taylor Fritz.
'He couldn't resist!' - Alcaraz digs out unnecessary backhand volley to delight of Team Europe
Carlos Alcaraz said it would be "impossible" to reach the same levels as Roger Federer's 2005 season, after Team World revealed their new nickname for the Laver Cup winner.
Following Alcaraz's stunning 6-2 7-5 victory over Taylor Fritz in the deciding match, Team World's new moniker for the four-time Grand Slam champion was unveiled.
But the 21-year-old was not convinced 'Fed 05' was or could ever be entirely accurate to describe him, with Federer watching on from the stands inside Berlin's Uber Arena.
“I’m too far from that level,” smiled Alcaraz. “I’m too far. Hopefully one day, but I mean, it’s going to be impossible. So they have to change my name because ‘Fed 05’ is going to be forever him.”
Federer won the US Open and Wimbledon in 2005, reaching the semi-finals of the other two majors: the French and Australian Open.
The architect of the Laver Cup only lost two other matches that year, his win percentage of 95.2% only bettered by Team World captain John McEnroe in the Open era - as confirmed by the ATP Tour.
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Highlights: Alcaraz sees off Fritz in straight sets to seal Laver Cup for Team Europe
But Alcaraz was not the only hero on the final day of Laver Cup action and he would not have played Fritz were it not for a stirring Alexander Zverev comeback over Frances Tiafoe.
“It’s been a really tough one,” admitted Alcaraz. “I’m going to say it, we almost lost. But Sascha [Zverev] came with really good tennis and gave me the chance to win the Laver Cup.
“The first set I was there supporting, watching it live. It’s really difficult to watch the matches from the outside. There are a lot of nerves killing us.
“And then I tried to stay away a little bit. Obviously I was watching on the TV inside the locker room, trying to give my support from there.
“I came back to watch the last game of the second set and then obviously I had to warm up.
“But the nerves were there. I didn’t know if I’m going to play or not. But I’m really happy that Sascha won in the end and gave me the chance to play once again.”
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'I'm too far from that level' - Alcaraz reacts to new 'Fed 05' nickname
Borg thought the worst before Team Europe comeback
Captain Bjorn Borg admitted he was sceptical Team Europe could mount a final-day fightback, with Team World four points ahead with two matches to play.
Tiafoe was just two holds of serve away from securing John McEnroe his third Laver Cup on the spin, but Zverev dug deep to ensure Alcaraz would have the opportunity to snatch victory.
Borg hailed his side's spirit after captaining Team Europe for the last time, the Swedish legend being replaced by Yannick Noah after seven years at the helm.
“It’s always tough to play Team World in the Laver Cup," said Borg. "I thought four or five hours ago, we’re not going to win this.
“But the guys came through and they played great tennis. And for me to spend time with these players in Team Europe, it’s a lot of fun.
“We have a good team spirit and they gave everything possible, so I’m very proud of my team.”
After a long weekend of fightbacks, drama and scheming, Borg said he and his team were in for a "long night" of celebrations.
“Oh, it’s going to be a long night of course," said Borg. "To win the Laver Cup is a big event. For me, it’s the most important week of every year.
“I’ve been captain for seven years and I don’t regret anything. Of course, we’re going to celebrate.”
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