Laver Cup – Team Europe needs a performance against Team World

The 2024 edition of the Laver cup gives a show and many surprises. Despite Team Europe thanks to top players like Carlos AlcarazDaniil Medvedev, Alexander Zverev, Casper Ruud and Stefanos Tsitsipas, Team world led by John McEnroe shocked fans in the first two days.

Carlitos’ level is rising after the difficulties of last month, but Team World has benefited from the doubles and the very high level of Taylor Fritz to get a big lead on the eve of the final day. The Uber Arena in Berlin is the ideal setting for this event, which is also successful this edition despite the absence of Rafael Nadal (who has given up due to a condition that is not yet perfect) and Novak Djokovic (who will play the ‘Six Kings Slam’ in Saudi Arabia next month).

Alcaraz’s presence is very important for fans, who love his style of play and his attitude on the court. The four-time Grand Slam champion is in the Laver Cup for the first time and should be the main attraction in the coming years. Although Team World has less talented players on the card, the support of John McEnroe and the great cohesion between the players have made a difference so far.

Team World can win

Team Europe players will have to do their best on the final day not to be defeated by Team World in this edition of the Laver Cup. Team Europe players will have to win three out of four matches to take the trophy, while Team World needs only two wins.

During the press conference, the American ace said Frances Tiafoe reflected on the importance of this event for the players: “It’s nice because I do this at regular events. It’s nice to see everyone out of their habitat, relax a bit and enjoy playing at the highest level. I think that’s the most important thing. It’s great to have teammates, the guys who are the best in the world, and to see their perspectives on the game is great. That helped me achieve the goal. The crowd, who are on the side of Team Europe, I felt today that they were on my side.”

Tiafoe is playing very well: “Things come and go. I’ve always been that guy that everyone looked at, very talented and with good chances to do special things, to be a top 10 in the world. And a lot of things are going well. Last year I suffered a big loss against Ben at the US Open. I couldn’t handle that loss well and after that I didn’t feel like playing the rest of the year. I took what was left of the season, plus the change of coach, for granted when things got out of hand.”

The feeling is that the Team World players have less pressure and can complete the performance thanks to the invaluable advice of a legend like John McEnroe. US Open finalist Taylor Fritz defeated Sascha Zverev for the third time in a row, after the Wimbledon Championships and the US Open.

“It was a really good game. I played pretty well most of the time, with a lot of great points where I recovered a lot of balls and I felt good defensively. I’m really happy with the game I played,” Fritz said. “The last few years they say I’m moving better. I’m not sure, but I think I’ve improved that first step, going all the way for the balls and sliding towards them. I feel a little more explosive“I like to play rallies from the baseline, and when I play on slow courts like this, I feel like I can show what I’ve been working on all these years, because I finish points with drop shots or at the net,” he added.

A great last day

Taylor is ready for the final day of the Laver Cup: “I’m looking forward to tomorrow’s matches. Frances and I were talking about how well we both played today. Day 3 is the really important day because you can literally lose every game and then win them all and turn it around on Day 3. It all comes down to tomorrow.”

Today Alcaraz and Ruud will face Ben Shelton and Frances Tiafoe in a huge match. Daniil Medvedev will face Ben Shelton in the second match, Zverev will face Tiafoe and Alcaraz will face Fritz if necessary. Fans are ready to see a memorable show on the final day of the event. McEnroe and Borg are ready for their final day as captains before they are replaced next year.