Carlos Alcaraz out to impress Roger Federer at Laver Cup 2024

BERLIN—Reigning French Open and Wimbledon champion Carlos Alcaraz may be a Laver Cup newbie, but he knows who he wants to impress when he takes to the iconic black court. Cup co-founder Roger Federer will be among the spectators in Berlin and has already spoken of his excitement at getting to watch Alcaraz in action. For the Spaniard, the feeling is mutual.

"For me it's great. I will try to be ready for that time, try to put a show, to put a good point on the match just to make him enjoy watching the match. But for me, it's great to hear those words from him,” he said.

"I didn't meet him yet here and during the tournaments, but I would love to see him and talk a little bit with him and yeah, I'll be ready to make him enjoy the match."

Alcaraz arrives in Berlin fresh off leading Spain to the finals of the Davis Cup, which will take place on their home turf in Malaga in November. The world number three gets a thrill from playing team competitions, but admits it will feel a little strange to line up for Team Europe alongside some of his biggest everyday rivals, including Alexander Zverev, Daniil Medvedev and Casper Ruud.

"'m super excited to live this experience here in the Laver Cup. I think it's a unique event that I'm [now] supporting my opponents within the whole year, so it's gonna be a little bit weird for me, but I think it's gonna be fun,” he said.

“During the year, we don’t talk too much, we’re on our own with our team. But now it’s going to be different, we’re going to support eachother, we’re going to laugh and talk a lot. So I’m going to try and enjoy it as much as I can this week.

"This format as well is unique and I'm going to say funny! So, I'm super excited to start the event to see how it's going to be on Friday.”

That unique format includes doubles partnerships that bring together the very best players, irrespective of country. For Alcaraz, Grigor Dimitrov is top of his partner wishlist.

“For me, it’s going to be special if I play doubles with him, but whoever in Team Europe I’m going to play doubles with, I’m super, super happy — I think everyone has a huge level of doubles, I think it’s going to be really fun with everyone.”

For the 21-year-old, the Laver Cup also marks his first time in the German capital. He got his first taste of Berlin culture when he had the chance to meet stars of local Bundesliga soccer club Union Berlin on Tuesday. The self-confessed soccer fanatic impressed in a kickabout with the players - and he’s hoping to experience more of the city.

“I hear really good things about here in Berlin, I would like to have time to go around and see a little bit, I will try.”