Alcaraz Dismisses Federer Comparisons After Clinching Laver Cup for Team Europe; Rybakina Withdraws from Beijing and Wuhan

Carlos Alcaraz dismissed comparisons to 20-time Grand Slam champion Roger Federer after securing Team Europe’s Laver Cup victory on Sunday. The 21-year-old Spaniard, making his debut in the tournament, defeated American Taylor Fritz 6-2, 7-5 in Berlin to seal the win for his team.

Team Europe, having lost the previous two editions, needed a comeback performance from local favorite Alexander Zverev, who overcame Frances Tiafoe 6-7(5/7), 7-5, 10-5. This set the stage for the deciding match between Alcaraz and Fritz.

After his triumph, Alcaraz was compared to Federer at his peak. However, the four-time Grand Slam winner quickly downplayed the comparison. “It’s impossible,” he said. “I’m still far from that level. I hope to reach it one day, but right now it’s really not possible.”

Alcaraz, who claimed the French Open and Wimbledon titles this year, was competing in the Laver Cup for the first time. Reflecting on the experience, he expressed pride in his team’s performance: “I’m really happy. We all played well over the past few days. It’s been an incredible event.”

Team Europe’s victory almost slipped away, but Zverev’s crucial win gave Alcaraz the chance to clinch the cup. “Sasha played amazing tennis, and thanks to him, I had the opportunity to win the Laver Cup,” Alcaraz added.

The world number three also contributed earlier in the day, partnering with Casper Ruud to win a doubles match 6-2, 7-6 (8/6), helping set the team on track for their fifth Laver Cup title.

Watching his teammates’ matches from the sidelines proved more nerve-wracking than playing for Alcaraz. “It’s tough to watch from the outside,” he admitted. “The nerves were really getting to us. I tried to stay in the locker room, watching on TV and supporting from there.”

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**Rybakina Withdraws from Beijing and Wuhan**

Former Wimbledon champion Elena Rybakina has withdrawn from upcoming tournaments in Beijing and Wuhan due to a back injury. Despite her hopes to return before the WTA Tour Finals in Riyadh this November, the world number four has been struggling with health issues in recent months.

Rybakina enjoyed a strong start to 2024, winning titles in Brisbane, Abu Dhabi, and Stuttgart. However, after reaching the Wimbledon semi-finals, she withdrew from the Paris Olympics due to bronchitis and later pulled out of the US Open following her first-round win due to a lower back issue.

“Due to an ongoing back injury, I regretfully have to withdraw from the Asian tournaments,” Rybakina said in a statement. “While I’ve been working hard on my recovery, my medical team and I believe it’s best to prioritize my health right now.”

The 25-year-old, who recently parted ways with long-time coach Stefano Vukov before the US Open, is currently ranked third in the WTA Race to the Finals, scheduled for Nov. 2-9. “This year has been challenging, and I’m grateful for the support from the tournament organizers and my fans. My team and I are working towards getting me back on the court for the season finale,” she added.