"I tried to imitate Roger Federer a little bit"- Carlos Alcaraz inspired in "every practice, every match" as he plays in front of idol at Laver Cup

Carlos Alcaraz recently talked about how Roger Federer has been a source of inspiration for him during the practice sessions and matches at the 2024 Laver Cup. This year, Alcaraz made his debut at the tournament.

The 2024 Laver Cup is being held at the Uber Arena in Berlin, Germany, where Alcaraz, alongside players like Casper Ruud, Daniil Medvedev, Grigor Dimitrov, Stefanos Tsitsipas, Alexander Zverev, Flavio Cobolli, and Jan-Lennard Struff, is representing Team Europe. The team is aiming to secure their fifth Laver Cup title.

Carlos Alcaraz kicked off his campaign at the tournament by partnering Alexander Zverev to play a doubles match against Taylor Fritz and Ben Shelton on Day 1. However, they fell short, losing 7-6(5), 6-4. On Day 2, Alcaraz faced off against Ben Shelton in a singles match, emerging victorious with a score of 6–4, 6–4.

Most recently, Alcaraz teamed up with Casper Ruud to defeat Team World's Ben Shelton and Frances Tiafoe with a score of 6-2, 7-6(6) and secured a crucial point for Team Europe.

During an on-court interview, Carlos Alcaraz talked about having Roger Federer attend their matches in Berlin. He expressed that Federer is someone who had the ability to make the impossible seem achievable during his playing career.

The Spaniard added that Roger Federer is "unbelievable" and like many others, he had also tried to imitate the Swiss tennis legend during his practice sessions and his matches.

“I think he [Roger Federer] is one of the first tennis players who brought this kind of sorts, he made the impossible possible. It was Roger. I have watched him many many times, his matches, he is unbelievable. In some way I tried to, you know, as I think every kid wants to imitate him a little bit and that’s why I’m trying in every practice [session], in every match, trying to make the people enjoy,” Alcaraz said.

Carlos Alcaraz on meeting Roger Federer at Laver Cup 2024: "Was great seeing him, wished for that moment for a long time"

Carlos Alcaraz [Image Source: Getty Images]

After playing in the doubles match for Team Europe alongside Alexander Zverev against Team World's Taylor Fritz and Ben Shelton on Day 1 of the 2024 Laver Cup, Carlos Alcaraz expressed that he felt "great" having Roger Federer watch one of his matches in person.

"It was great, honestly, playing in front of him. It's the first time that he watched one of my matches in real life and I'm really happy that he was there watching our doubles," Carlos Alcaraz said [via ATPTour.com].

Alcaraz shared that he met Federer during a practice session in Berlin. Although the 20-time Grand Slam champion did not discuss tactics or offer advice, he expressed his joy at witnessing the Spaniard play live.

The World No. 3 also revealed that having Roger Federer watch his game had been a long-held dream of his.

“Obviously it was great seeing him in the practice. He didn't tell me any tactics, any advice. But he just told me that he's really happy about watching me in real life, that I'm here. It was a great time for me. I wished [for] that moment for a long time,” he added.

After he concludes his 2024 Laver Cup campaign with Team Europe, Carlos Alcaraz will next compete at the 2024 Shanghai Masters. The ATP 1000 hardcourt tournament is scheduled to run from October 2 to 13, 2024, at the Qizhong Forest Sports City Arena and will feature players like Novak Djokovic, Jannik Sinner, and Alexander Zverev among others.

Last year, Alcaraz reached the fourth round of the Shanghai Masters before losing to eventual semifinalist Grigor Dimitrov.