Carlos Alcaraz feels both 'pressure' and 'energy' from Team Europe after Laver Cup singles debut win over Ben Shelton

Updated 22/09/2024 at 19:33 GMT

Carlos Alcaraz called the Laver Cup a "unique experience" after beating Ben Shelton on his competition singles debut. The Spaniard had kind words for Team Europe captain Bjorn Borg and acknowledged that he feels pressure to perform for his fellow team-mates. At the same time, Alcaraz insisted that he gains "energy" from their support and believes that Team Europe will leave Berlin victorious.

Highlights: Alcaraz turns on the style to beat Shelton and draw Team Europe level

Carlos Alcaraz said he feels both "pressure" and "energy" as part of Team Europe, having beaten Ben Shelton on his Laver Cup debut.

The young Spaniard secured a stunning a 6-4 6-4 victory to draw Europe level on points at 4-4 in Saturday’s second singles match, wowing the Berlin crowd with a number of sensational shots.

Alcaraz even joked that the job of his current coach, Juan Carlos Ferrero, was under threat from outgoing Team Europe captain Bjorn Borg.

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Borg admitted that he thinks the competition will go down to the wire, and that he feels a similar level of scrutiny as his six star players.

“I always feel the pressure,” said Borg. “But I think maybe he felt more pressure, because the other team, they play great tennis and it’s going to go down to the last couple of matches I think.

“I’ve been doing it for seven years and I know it’s a lot of pressure on these guys.”

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Alcaraz concurred with the Swedish legend’s assessment, but added that his team-mates helped him through challenging points during the contest.

“In the other tournaments, obviously I’m playing for myself,” said Alcaraz. “And when you’re playing as a team, you’re playing for them as well. So you feel a little bit more pressure, because you feel like you have to win for them.

“But at the same time, I feel more energy, having them supporting me from behind. In the tough moments during the match, I see them.

“They’re supporting, saying ‘come on’ all the time and it relaxes me during the match. It is a unique experience for me that I really enjoy.”

With 11-time Grand Slam champion Borg also in the Spaniard’s corner, the 21-year-old light-heartedly suggested that the Swede could take over his current coach’s job.

Alcaraz said: “It’s [a] totally different [experience]. For me, it’s a privilege to play for Bjorn [Borg], for my team.

“All I want to say is Juan Carlos [Ferrero], if he’s watching me, be careful with your position of coach because I have great coaches here."

'What a shot!' - Alcaraz drifts 'absolutely sensational' backhand past Shelton

Taylor Fritz and Alexander Zverev face off in the final singles match of Day 2, before Casper Ruud and Stefanos Tsitsipas take on Shelton and Alejandro Tabilo in the doubles to round off the night.

And while Borg was coy on Team Europe’s chances heading into the evening session all-square, Alcaraz was far more bullish, insisting that, “We’re going to win.”

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