The 2024 version of the Laver Cup ended with the victory of Group Europe on the Uber Area in Berlin. The weekend was spectacular and stuffed with surprises, redeeming final 12 months’s version in Vancouver (when nearly all the highest gamers have been lacking).
Group Europe was one step nearer to the abyss towards Group World, however it was pushed by the comeback of German ace Alexander Zverev towards Frances Tiafoe and particularly by an excellent Carlos Alcaraz. The four-time Grand Slam champion made a distinction within the decisive second, profitable the match towards Taylor Fritz that allowed the crew led by Bjorn Borg to carry the trophy.
Followers loved the occasion and confirmed up in Berlin regardless of the very excessive ticket costs. This format continues to work very effectively and the presence of Roger Federer as predominant promoter of the occasion helps much more the success of the Laver Cup. Subsequent 12 months the occasion will happen on the Chase Middle in San Francisco, the place the Golden State Warriors play. Rod Laver, the Australian legend that’s the occasion’s identify, might be very joyful, as he lives simply over 700 km from San Francisco. For the second, it’s potential to arrange the Laver Cup in Asia or South America.
Quite a lot of feelings
There are numerous causes for the success of the Laver Cup and the partnership with ATP – which has been prolonged till 2029 – ensures this occasion a superb place within the calendar. Group World led by John McEnroe has been near the consequence however needed to give up solely on the final problem, the place Carlos Alcaraz prevailed on Taylor Fritz. The previous American legend, who got here to his final time period, spoke at a press convention along with the entire crew.
“It was undoubtedly a unprecedented weekend, we fought as a lot as potential, we may nearly style it, however sadly it didn’t occur. However we now have put ourselves in a really shut place to get it. The ambiance was nice day-after-day, the power of the crew was implausible, all the fellows performed effectively. It’s a disgrace to have misplaced, I admit that,” stated McEnroe.
A victory that maybe already preached: “I used to be able to have a good time the triplet. I used to be in a unique temper, possibly slightly drunk, we additionally had champagne ready for us within the room”, he then confessed. 7 years main Group Europe, which you’ll be able to’t neglect simply: “I beloved being a captain, I at all times beloved being a part of the crew, since I used to be a toddler, even in different sports activities. I like the Davis Cup, so these crew occasions are very particular for me, I at all times attempt to put my love out on this assembly we do yearly. It’s nice enjoyable for me to satisfy the youngsters and spend time with them, right here in Berlin I’m taking one other memorable week with me,” he stated.
In the course of the press convention, Taylor Fritz additionally spoke in regards to the difficulties encountered within the decisive match with Alcaraz, making a parallel with the ultimate misplaced to Jannik Sinner on the Us Open: “I suffered from some rigidity on my left shoulder. I seen it from day one, particularly after I hit the reverse. I believed at present would really feel higher, however it didn’t. After the primary two units I spotted that I used to be nonetheless sore. I needed to take ache medicine.
It’s onerous to match the matches with Sinner and Alcaraz. Right here there have been a lot slower situations than in New York. In each video games I suffered the truth that I didn’t have time to enter the trade. With Carlos specifically I didn’t really feel comfy. I used to be in a rush, transferring across the court docket, I really feel like I had much less area to breathe with him, however each gamers are phenomenal,” he concluded.
The format works effectively
The gamers are very concerned on this occasion, which lets you create a crew ambiance in a sport the place they’re usually alone. In an interview with Tennis.com, ATP legend Boris Becker spoke in regards to the Laver Cup: “I’m a giant fan of crew competitions, I appreciated taking part in within the Davis Cup. I’ve at all times watched the Laver Cup, that is my first time right here in particular person, and I really feel very proud to have been invited to the German capital.
To begin with, this can be very necessary for Germany as a tennis location to have the Laver Cup in Berlin. It’s equally necessary that we now have the very best German tennis participant, Sascha Zverev, in our ranks right here. We’re at present experiencing a tennis increase internationally and in Germany, too, many individuals are watching extra tennis than earlier than. So it’s necessary to have tournaments just like the Laver Cup, the place the very best on this planet play.”
