The 2024 Laver Cup has begun with a bang. Some intriguing action is taking place on the first day of the tournament in Berlin. While Stefanos Tsitsipas gave Team Europe the lead, Francisco Cerundolo leveled things up by defeating Casper Ruud. Amid the thrilling action, there was one moment involving Carlos Alcaraz, which brought back memories of Roger Federer’s playing days.

The Swiss maestro called an end to his career after the Laver Cup back in 2022. During the event, he often delivered precious advice to his teammates during their matches. In one of the instances, he was seen coaching even Novak Djokovic during the 2022 Laver Cup. It looks like Federer’s legacy has been carried on by Carlos Alcaraz now, who turned a coach for Casper Ruud during the second match earlier today.

During a mid-game interval, Alcaraz advised Ruud to be more aggressive and play to Cerundolo’s backhands to create a winner opportunity on his own forehand. Grigor Dimitrov, who was the other player standing beside Ruud, seconded with Alcaraz’s tips to Ruud. However, it didn’t turn out to be a good outing for Ruud as he went down fighting in straight sets 6-4, 6-4.

This will be Alcaraz’s maiden appearance at the Laver Cup. He will open his campaign later today by teaming up with Alexander Zverev in the doubles tie against Taylor Fritz and Ben Shelton. Moreover, Federer is also present in Berlin and it will be the first time that the Swiss maestro will witness Alcaraz play live. As a result, the Spanish sensation is out to impress Federer.

Carlos Alcaraz excited as ever for the Laver Cup in front of Roger Federer

Despite not having watched Alcaraz play live yet, Federer is a huge admirer of the Spaniard because of his consistency and has heaped praise on him many times. As Alcaraz makes his maiden appearance in Berlin, he will have to deal with the added pressure of Federer watching him play. Nonetheless, he wants to impress the Swiss maestro with his audacious displays on the court.

Alcaraz revealed, “For me it’s great. I will try to be ready for that time, try to put a show, to put a good point on the match just to make him enjoy watching the match. But for me, it’s great to hear those words from him. I didn’t meet him yet here and during the tournaments, but I would love to see him and talk a little bit with him and yeah, I’ll be ready to make him enjoy the match.”

Alcaraz will be leading Team Europe’s charge as they aim to reclaim the title. With the likes of Alexander Zverev, Stefanos Tsitsipas, and Daniil Medvedev in the team beside Alcaraz, Team Europe looks like a tough nut to crack for Team World. Additionally, Team Europe will have huge support from Federer as the Swiss maestro will be out there to witness the action live. Which of these two teams do you think will win the Laver Cup?