Alcaraz thrilled to play in front of Federer: ‘I wished for that moment for a long time’ | ATP Tour

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Alcaraz thrilled to play in front of Federer: ‘I wished for that moment for a long time’

Swiss takes in Laver Cup action in Berlin

September 21, 2024

Roger Federer has seen a lot in his career. Friday at the Laver Cup, the Swiss was faced with something new.

Federer watched four-time major champion and No. 3 in the PIF ATP Rankings Carlos Alcaraz play a match in person for the first time.

The stars had already gotten to know one another during the leadup to the event, chatting at various functions, posing together for a photoshoot and having a nice conversation on the practice court Friday before the Spaniard’s match.

Carlitos & Federer shared a nice moment on court ahead of his first match in Berlin. 😊@lavercup | #LaverCup pic.twitter.com/BQThHJOq91

— ATP Tour (@atptour) September 20, 2024

But for the first time, 103-time tour-level titlist Federer experienced the Spaniard’s game up close when Alcaraz and Alexander Zverev faced Taylor Fritz and Ben Shelton in doubles. Fritz and Shelton won the match in straight sets.

Alcaraz reflected on playing a match in front of Federer for the first time, saying: “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.

“I think I’m good [at doubles], but I’m not as good as [I am at] the singles, I guess. I hope to see him tomorrow in the singles. I hope he enjoyed the doubles match, and 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.”