Laver Cup: 'But then I have to run more' - Carlos Alcaraz and Grigor Dimitrov turn coach for Alexander Zverev

Published 22/09/2024 at 19:23 GMT

With Alexander Zverev locked in a tense battle with Frances Tiafoe, fighting to keep Team Europe's hopes of Laver Cup victory alive, Carlos Alcaraz and Grigor Dimitrov made their presence felt in the German's corner. While Alcaraz noted the low bounce of the Uber Arena's hard court, Dimitrov offered advice on where he should be hitting his shots. Zverev gently pushed back on Dimitrov's suggestion.

'But then I have to run more' - Alcaraz and Dimitrov turn coach for Zverev

Carlos Alcaraz and Grigor Dimitrov took turns to play coach for Alexander Zverev, with the German locked in a tight tussle with Frances Tiafoe.

A Tiafoe win would seal the Laver Cup for Team World, after Ben Shelton fought back to defeat Daniil Medvedev to open up a four-point lead on the final day of action.

In the midst of a tense opening set, which went the way of the American via a tie-break, Alcaraz and Dimitrov perched either side of Zverev to offer advice.

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Dimitrov has frequently taken on the role of unofficial coach this weekend, while Alcaraz gave his opinion on the low-bouncing hard court.

“I think he’s giving more of a chance to you to dominate the forehand," Alcaraz said. "The bounce is playing so down, so flat. It’s not letting you hit the ball as you want."

Alcaraz's his Bulgarian team-mate was intent on letting Zverev know which areas he should be targeting.

Dimitrov said: “He pushes through, he doesn’t hit with the racquet, so he takes your power away.”

Highlights: Shelton beats Medvedev in thriller to edge Team World closer to Laver Cup triumph

“Should I play more back and down the line?” asked Zverev.

“Not unless you’re in the position,” replied Dimitrov. “But maybe go through the middle and don’t open up the angle at times; that’s what I’m saying.”

“But then I have to run more,” responded Zverev.

To which Dimitrov explained: “No, if you keep going down the middle, you go back to neutral and then maybe start again to make another opportunity. That’s all.”

Dimitrov won his singles match against Alejandro Tabilo on Friday, taking Team Europe into the lead for the first time, an advantage they have not held since.

Alcaraz lost his opening doubles match with Zverev, before beating Shelton in straight sets and winning his second doubles contest alongside Casper Ruud.

If Zverev can find a way past Tiafoe, Alcaraz will have the opportunity to snatch the Laver Cup against Taylor Fritz in a grandstand finale.

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