Carlos Alcaraz had a hilarious message for his long-time coach after getting his first victory at the Laver Cup.
With Roger Federer watching in the front row, the world No. 3 beat Ben Shelton 6-4 6-4 to win two points for Team Europe and leave the scores tied with Team World.
Afterwards, Alcaraz threatened Juan Carlos Ferrero with his job after thriving off the team element of the Laver Cup.
Alcaraz is making his Laver Cup debut this weekend. He got off to a disappointing started when he partnered Alexander Zverev in Friday night’s doubles match, losing to Shelton and Taylor Fritz.
Carlos Alcaraz, the world’s No. 3 tennis player, made his mark at the Laver Cup in spectacular fashion. While making his debut at the prestigious event, he secured his first victory in a singles match against Ben Shelton, with a scoreline of 6-4 6-4. The match was notable not only for the intense play on the court but for Alcaraz’s lighthearted and hilarious post-match comments directed at his long-time coach, Juan Carlos Ferrero.
Alcaraz’s victory earned two crucial points for Team Europe, leveling the scores with Team World. The Laver Cup, an annual men’s tennis competition, pits some of the best players from Europe against their counterparts from the rest of the world. This year’s event was particularly special as tennis legend Roger Federer was in attendance, sitting front row to watch the next generation of tennis stars showcase their skills.
The Spanish sensation’s performance against Shelton was a display of power, precision, and athleticism, the very qualities that have catapulted Alcaraz to the upper echelons of the sport. His blistering groundstrokes, swift movement across the court, and calm demeanor under pressure have become hallmarks of his game, and these traits were on full display as he dismantled Shelton.
While his victory on the court was noteworthy, it was his lighthearted comments during the post-match interview that captured the attention of fans and the media alike. Thriving in the team environment of the Laver Cup, Alcaraz joked about how much he enjoyed playing in such a setting—so much so that he humorously threatened his coach, Juan Carlos Ferrero, with his job. “I don’t need you anymore!” Alcaraz teased with a grin, suggesting that he could flourish without Ferrero, especially in a team atmosphere.
The comment was made in jest, and the crowd, along with Ferrero, responded with laughter. It was clear that Alcaraz has a strong bond with his coach, who has been instrumental in his development from a promising youngster into one of the most dominant players in the world. Ferrero, a former world No. 1 and French Open champion, has guided Alcaraz since he was a teenager, helping him fine-tune his game and navigate the pressures of the professional tennis tour.
Alcaraz’s win came after a somewhat shaky start to his Laver Cup campaign. He and Alexander Zverev had teamed up for a doubles match the previous night, facing off against the American duo of Ben Shelton and Taylor Fritz. Unfortunately for Team Europe, Alcaraz and Zverev came up short, losing the match to the powerful and dynamic pairing of Shelton and Fritz. While doubles may not be Alcaraz’s strongest suit, his singles prowess was on full display when he returned to the court the following day.
The Laver Cup, with its team-based format, offers a unique atmosphere that is very different from the typical ATP tour events, where players compete as individuals. The players, who are usually rivals throughout the year, come together under a team banner, fostering camaraderie and a sense of unity. Alcaraz, who is more accustomed to the solitary nature of tennis, seemed to revel in the team dynamics, as evidenced by his playful demeanor following his win over Shelton.
It’s worth noting that the presence of Roger Federer, one of Alcaraz’s idols, added extra significance to the match. Federer, a Laver Cup co-founder, has long been a supporter of Alcaraz, often praising the young Spaniard for his talent and maturity. Having the Swiss maestro watch from the stands may have added some extra motivation for Alcaraz, who continues to impress with his rapid rise through the tennis ranks.
Alcaraz’s playful threat to Ferrero also highlighted a broader theme in tennis: the close relationships that many top players share with their coaches. While tennis is a sport that requires individual excellence, behind every great player is often a dedicated coach who provides guidance, strategy, and emotional support. The bond between Alcaraz and Ferrero is one of the more prominent examples of this dynamic, with the pair often seen discussing tactics and sharing smiles during matches.
Despite his playful comments, there’s no doubt that Alcaraz owes much of his success to Ferrero’s mentorship. The young Spaniard has already achieved so much at a young age, including winning his first Grand Slam title at the 2022 US Open and reaching the top of the ATP rankings. However, both Alcaraz and Ferrero know that there is still more work to be done as they aim for continued success at the highest levels of the sport.
As for the Laver Cup, Alcaraz’s victory kept Team Europe in contention against Team World, with the scores now tied. The competition will continue throughout the weekend, with both teams vying for supremacy in a format that blends intense individual battles with a sense of collective pride.
Carlos Alcaraz’s debut at the Laver Cup has already provided fans with memorable moments, and his playful banter with Ferrero only adds to his growing reputation as a player who not only possesses immense skill but also a great sense of humor. As the tournament progresses, all eyes will be on Alcaraz to see if he can continue his strong form and lead Team Europe to victory in what has become one of the most exciting events on the tennis calendar.
