Under-pressure Alcaraz completes Europe comeback

Carlos Alcaraz pushed Team Europe to a fifth trophy victory in a tight finish to the Laver Cup on Sunday in Berlin as he defeated Taylor Fritz to complete a 13-11 triumph,

The former No. 1 from Spain wrapped up the weekend in Berlin as he overcame Fritz 6-2, 7-5, earning the final three points which put Bjorn Borg’s Europe over the line.

The must-win match capped a come-from-behind scenario, with Europe needing to win three rubbers to close the gap on Team World, captained by John McEnroe.

Europe won the first four editions of the competition and lost the last two before coming up winners in the German capital.

  “We did it for you,” Alcaraz said while hugging Borg after first being encircled by his ecstatic teammates who charged onto the iconic black court to celebrate with the debutant.

“It’s great, obviously we came here with a goal, all of us, that is to win the Laver Cup,” Alcaraz said. .

“We almost lost, you know, but Sascha (Zverev) came with really good tennis, and gave me the chance to win the Laver Cup.  I think we are really, really happy with everything.

Europe began Sunday trailing 4-8 deficit, but began closing the gap with a doubles win from Alcaraz and Casper Ruud, who triumphed in the day’s opening doubles match over World’s Ben Shelton and Frances Tiafoe.

Though Daniil Medvedev lost his singles rubber, victories from Zverev and Alcaraz sealed another win for Europe as both Borg and McEnroe step down after seven years at the helm of their squads.