Carlos Alcaraz Shines at Laver Cup 2024 with Victory Over Ben Shelton
Carlos Alcaraz had a stunning singles debut, defeating American Ben Shelton 6-4, 6-4 at the 2024 Laver Cup.
With this victory, the match between Team Europe and Team World was tied at 4–4, ending Day 2’s morning session.
The inaugural Laver Cup singles match for Carlos Alcaraz went incredibly well. In singles action on Saturday, the defending champion of Roland Garros and Wimbledon defeated American Ben Shelton 6-4, 6-4, handing him his first-ever loss in five Laver Cup encounters. Jason Goodall of Tennis Channel described the Spaniard’s performance as his finest since winning Wimbledon in July.
Alcaraz, who is participating in the Laver Cup in Berlin for the first time this year, swiftly dispelled any uncertainty that may have arisen after their Friday night doubles match loss with Alexander Zverev. In his match against Shelton, the Spaniard saved all five break points he faced, breaking the American’s renowned serve late in the first set and early in the second to win in one hour and forty-three minutes.
Alcaraz, who blasted 23 winners to 13 unforced errors, was ecstatic to be joining Team Europe for the first time. “I’m attempting to play for my team. I played a really good match, but Ben is a tremendously tough and powerful player.
“I put a lot of returns in, which was what I had to do if I wanted to beat him … and I’m really happy to get the points for Team Europe.”
Alcaraz’s triumph closed out Saturday’s morning session with Team Europe and Team World tied at 4-4. On the second day of competition, each victory was worth two points. The two-time defending champions were ahead thanks to Frances Tiafoe, who defeated Daniil Medvedev 3-6, 6-4, [10-5] in his first victory in six attempts.
To be honest, I’ve only recently been enjoyable. Laughing here and there with my squad, laughing with my team. Simply enjoying myself a little and began to truly discover my rhythm,” Tiafoe remarked. It’s difficult to play Daniil on this court because the courts are obviously considerably slower than what I’m used to.
“But to be honest, I felt like Roger Federer after the second set, both halfway through and in the tiebreak.”
Federer gave the joke a thumbs up from his seat in the front row.
Taylor Fritz and Alexander Zverev will rematch at the US Open during Saturday’s evening session. Shelton and Alejandro Tabilo will then return to the court to face Casper Ruud and Stefanos Tsitsipas.
