The 2024 edition of the Laver Cup is giving show and many surprises. Despite Team Europe being favored on the eve of the event thanks to top players such as Carlos Alcaraz, Daniil Medvedev, Alexander Zverev, Casper Ruud and Stefanos Tsitsipas, Team World led by John McEnroe shocked fans in the first two days.
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Carlitos' level is rising after the difficulties of last month, but Team World has taken advantage of the doubles and the very high level of Taylor Fritz to get a big lead on the eve of the last day. The Uber Arena in Berlin is the ideal setting for this event, which is also successful in this edition despite the absences 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).
Alcarazs presence is very important for fans, who love his style of play and his attitude on the tennis court. The four-time Grand Slam champion is at his first participation in the Laver Cup and should be the main attraction in the coming years. Although Team World has less talented players on the map, the support of John McEnroe and the great cohesion between the players have made a difference up to this point.
Team World can win
Team Europes players will need to play their best on the final day in order not to be defeated by Team World in this edition of the Laver Cup. Team Europe players will need to win three of four matches to lift the trophy, while Team World only needs two wins.
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During the press conference, American ace Frances Tiafoe reflected on the importance of this event for the players: "It's fun because I do this in regular events. It's fun to see everyone else out of their habitat, relaxing a bit, and enjoying playing at the highest level. I think that's the most important. It's amazing to have teammates, the guys who are the best in the world, and to see their perspectives on the match is great. That helped me reach the goal. The audience, who are on Team Europe's side, I felt today that they were on my side."
Tiafoe is playing very well: "Things come and go. I have always been that guy everyone looked at, very talented and with good opportunities to do special things, to be a top 10 in the world. And many things are going well. Last year, I suffered a tough defeat against Ben at the US Open. I didn't manage that defeat well and then didn't feel like playing much for the rest of the year. I took for granted what was left of the season, plus the change of coach, as things got out of control.
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The feeling is that the players of Team World have less pressure and can complete the feat 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 match. I played pretty well most of the time, with many great points where I retrieved a lot of balls and felt good defensively. I am very happy with the match I played Fritz said. "In recent years, they say I move better. I'm not sure, but I think what I have improved is that first step, going all out for the balls and sliding towards them. I feel a bit more explosive. I like to play rallies from the baseline, and when I play on slow courts like this, I feel I can show what I have been working on all these years, as I finish points with drop shots or at the net he added.
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An amazingfinal day
Taylor is ready for the final day of the Laver Cup: "I am excited about tomorrow's matches. Frances and I were discussing how well we both played today. Day 3 is the truly important one, because you can literally lose all matches and then win them all and turn things 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 then Alcaraz will face Fritz if required. Fans are ready to see a memorable show on the last day of the event. McEnroe and Borg are ready for their last day as captains before being replaced next year.
