"Roger Federer just told me he's really happy about watching me in real life": Carlos Alcaraz on fulfilling his 'wish' to chat with Swiss at Laver Cup

Carlos Alcaraz has shed light on his long-awaited personal conversation with Roger Federer at the 2024 Laver Cup. The Spaniard also expressed delight at Federer cheering him and Alexander Zverev during their doubles match.

One of the most compelling stories to come out of this year's Laver Cup is the developing bond between Alcaraz and the 20-time Grand Slam champion. Before the event, Federer had shared his desire to witness the World No. 3 in action live, while Alcaraz was eager to spend time with the legend. The duo won hearts when the Swiss was spotted adjusting the 21-year-old's bow tie at the black carpet event.

Carlos Alcaraz and Roger Federer had a chance to converse during the Spaniard's practice session ahead of his opening doubles match. Although the 21-year-old and Alexander Zverev lost to Taylor Fritz and Ben Shelton in straight sets, he was thrilled to have the opportunity to play in front of the 20-time Grand Slam champion.

In his post-match press conference, Alcaraz admitted that his doubles game paled compared to his skills in singles and conveyed his hope that the former World No. 1 would be in attendance for his singles match as well.

"Well, it was great, honestly, playing in front of him. It's the first time that he watch one of my matches in real life, and I'm really happy that he was there, you know, watching our doubles," Carlos Alcaraz said.

"As I said, he watch doubles match. Well, I think I'm good but I'm not as good as the singles, I guess (smiling). I hope to see him tomorrow in the singles. I hope he enjoyed the doubles match," he added.

Carlos Alcaraz also divulged the details of their conversation, disclosing that Roger Federer didn't offer any advice, but instead expressed his delight at getting the chance to see him competing live at the Laver Cup.

The Spaniard emphasized that it was "great" to fulfill his long-held wish to have a personal chat with Federer, his childhood idol.

"Obviously was great seeing him in the practice. He didn't tell me any tactic, any advice, but I mean, he just told me that he's really happy about watching me in real life, that I'm here. So it was a great time for me that, I mean, I wish that moment for a long time, so it was a really good time," he said.

Carlos Alcaraz 'pumped up' by team environment and cheering crowd at Laver Cup: "Really want to experience this again in the singles tomorrow"

Carlos Alcaraz at Laver Cup 2024 (Source: Getty)

During the same press conference, Carlos Alcaraz shared that the enthusiastic crowd made the event feel like any other tournament but emphasized that playing with the support of his Team Europe teammates sparked a "different feeling" and got him "pumped up."

"Well, it is different. Honestly with the crowd probably I feel the same as probably other tournaments. They were great, once again. With the team, I mean, it was a different feeling that I loved (smiling). I loved these feelings, all the players in the bench supporting us, really pumped up," Alcaraz said.

The 21-year-old gushed about his positive experience during his opening match at the event and expressed excitement about reliving that energy during his singles debut.

"Yeah, it was a really good experience for my first Laver Cup match. Really want to experience this again in the singles tomorrow. Yeah, it's gonna, well, it has been a really good time for me," he added.

Carlos Alcaraz will aim to secure his first Laver Cup victory when he squares off against Ben Shelton in his opening singles match on Saturday, September 21.