Alcaraz says Laver Cup week restores his enjoyment of tennis
Carlos Alcaraz defended his decision to play the Laver Cup despite having criticized the tennis calendar two years earlier. He said team events are rare during the season and help him rediscover his enjoyment of the sport. Alcaraz added that such weeks also benefit him in later individual tournaments.
Alcaraz spoke at Team Europe’s pre-event press conference in London on Thursday. Two years earlier, at the Berlin Laver Cup, he had warned that the crowded schedule could harm players. Critics then noted that the Laver Cup offers no ranking points and falls outside the official calendar, yet he has continued to support his original warning.
He has competed in the last two editions and owns a 3-1 singles record there: wins over Ben Shelton and Taylor Fritz in 2024 and Francisco Cerundolo in 2025, plus a loss to Fritz last year. Team Europe, defeated 15-9 by Team World in San Francisco, begins against Team World on Friday, with Casper Ruud facing Cerundolo.
Alcaraz’s comments could influence how tennis fans and players weigh rest against team competition, especially as calendar concerns persist. His visibility may help normalize the idea that enjoyment and mental recovery matter alongside ranking points. Tournament organizers and broadcasters may also see renewed interest in team events, though the Laver Cup’s exhibition status means its broader effect on scheduling debates remains uncertain. Younger players, in particular, may view team weeks as a possible source of motivation rather than simply lost preparation time.