"I want to follow Carlos Alcaraz's footsteps"- Stefanos Tsitsipas makes surprising acknowledgment after seeing Spaniard's Laver Cup heroics up close

Following the recently-concluded 2024 Laver Cup, Stefanos Tsitsipas shared his admiration for Team Europe member Carlos Alcaraz. The Greek revealed how being up close to Alcaraz provided him with valuable insights into the Spaniard's game, behavior, and mindset.

26-year-old Tsitsipas and 21-year-old Alcaraz helped Team Europe win the Laver Cup for the fifth time in seven attempts. It was the young Spaniard's debut at the Roger Federer-backed event and he bagged the MVP award for his masterful performances. Alcaraz won five out of the 13 points earned by Team Europe.

Ahead of the 2024 Japan Open, in an interview with Tennis TV, Tsitsipas opened up about a unique feature of the Laver Cup. He claimed that there is no other place where he can observe a top-tier player in such a way. Moreover, the Greek also mentioned that he would like to follow in the Spaniard's footsteps - a player five years younger than him - as he is one of the best players at the moment.

"I'm observing Carlos Alcaraz; it's like seeing him from that angle is so different to just watching him on TV or any other type of competition. I don't really get to get so close and intimate with another high-tier player as him. He's currently one of the best players in the world," Stefanos Tsitsipas said.

"I really want to follow his footsteps, and to get to see him play live and see what kind of patterns, behaviors, and body language he shows on court is definitely something that I try to copy and bring into my own game," he added.

Further, Tsitsipas said that the Laver Cup is more about the "bonding experience" and constantly trying to figure out things together as a team.

Tsistipas defeated Thanasi Kokkinakis on the first day of the event to earn a point for Team Europe. Meanwhile, Alcaraz lost his doubles match partnering with Alexander Zverev. On Day 2, the Spaniard earned two points by defeating Ben Shelton while the Greek faced defeat in doubles partnering Casper Ruud.

On Day 3, Alcaraz earned the all-important three points by defeating Taylor Fritz in the last match to help Team Europe stop Team World from pulling off a three-peat. Following their Laver Cup success, Tsitsipas and Alcaraz will now embark on the Asian hardcourt swing.

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Carlos Alcaraz set for China Open, Stefanos Tsitsipas to compete in Japan Open

Carlos Alcaraz (L) and Stefanos Tsitsipas at the 2023 French Open (Image: Getty)

Carlos Alcaraz has arrived in Beijing for the China Open, where he is set to face Giovanni Mpetshi Perricard in the first round. This matchup marks their first encounter on Tour. Alcaraz will be making his return to ATP singles competition following an early exit at the US Open.

Meanwhile, Stefanos Tsitsipas is gearing up to take on Alex Michelsen at the 2024 Japan Open, also in their first-ever meeting on Tour. Like Alcaraz, the Greek star is looking to bounce back after his surprising early exit at the New York Major.