Team Europe steal Laver Cup as Alcaraz stars on final day

Carlos Alcaraz has led Team Europe to victory in the 2024 Laver Cup, with the side coming from behind to defeat Team World 13-11 in Berlin on Sunday.

With the Europeans trailing 7-11 after the second day of play, top tennis bookmakers had Team World pegged as favourites to claim a third consecutive title.

However, in a squad littered with top-10 talent, it was who Alcaraz stepped up and powered his team over the line with a record-breaking display on the final day.

Alcaraz had already banked half of Team Europe’s points before Sunday, defeating Ben Shelton 6-4, 6-4 in his team’s only win of day two.

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But as teammate Alexander Zverev described, the Spaniard took control on day three.

“Honestly we had, like, a half-an-hour meeting, and Carlos walked in and decided what we are going to do and we went to do that,” the German said.

“It was extremely simple.

“Carlos walked in. He decided, I want to play doubles with Casper. Then Daniil is going to play singles against Shelton.”

Alcaraz’s confidence was well placed, as he combined with Casper Ruud to overcome Shelton and Frances Tiafoe 6-2, 7-6 (6) in the opening match of the day.

Just hours later, he was back on the court in a do-or-die match against 2024 US Open runner-up Taylor Fritz.

This time, he produced 90 minutes of magic, powering past Fritz 6-2, 7-5 to hand Team Europe the victory.

“I’m not going to lie — it was a pretty good feeling,” Alcaraz said afterwards.

“I was really, really happy, honestly.

“I mean, obviously our goal was to win the Laver Cup. We did it.

“Personally I’m really, really happy.”

Bjorn Borg was equally thrilled, with the Swede ending his six-year reign as captain of Team Europe victorious.

“If we started this Sunday in the morning, I think we had problems, but all these guys came through,” the 11-time major champion said.

“It’s unbelievable. I’m so happy.

“I’m very happy, because it’s my last year Laver Cup, and for me to have this team, it’s beautiful.”

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