Excited to be here: teammates looking for the win in Berlin

The seventh edition of Laver Cup has brought the world’s top players to Berlin, many for the first time.

“I hear really good things about here in Berlin, I would like to have time to go around and see a little bit, I will try,” grinned Carlos Alcaraz, after the iconic photoshoot at Brandenburg Gate.

Asked which teammate he’d like to play doubles with at his Laver Cup debut, the Spaniard quickly answered Grigor Dimitrov.

“For me, it’s going to be special if I play doubles with him, but whoever in the Team Europe I’m going to play with doubles [with], I’m super, super happy — I think everyone has a huge level of doubles, I think it’s going to be really fun with everyone,” said Alcaraz.

“It’s been a vibe so far,” said Frances Tiafoe, who is competing in his fifth Laver Cup, and is also new to the city.

Ben Shelton, who hasn’t previously visited the German capital, also vowed to see the city. “I’m really excited,” said Ben Shelton, “I’ve liked the time I’ve spent in Germany so far and I’m looking forward to this week,” he said.

Shelton is eager to tackle the doubles court with his countryman and recent US Open finalist, Taylor Fritz.  “That’s one guy I want to play with,” he said. “I’m sure I’ll get out there with Frances at some point too, we played really well together last year.”

Fritz picked Shelton as the teammate he hopes to play doubles with.

“I might be making my Laver Cup doubles debut this week, maybe, we’ll see,” teased the 26-year-old. “I’ve never played with Ben before and I’ve always thought Ben and I would be a good team, so hopefully we can get there.”

“I’m super excited to be here [and] I’ve heard a lot of good things about Berlin,” said Fritz. “So far, I’ve been really enjoying it – it’s one of those places if Laver Cup wasn’t here, I might not ever have gotten the chance to come.”

The camaraderie and team dynamic makes Laver Cup a drawcard for players.

“I like team competitions, I think it’s cool when you get to play for something bigger than yourself, that’s one of the reasons I went to play in college and one of the reasons I love this event, it’s one that’s always marked on my calendar,” said Shelton, the world No. 17. “We only get a couple team events every year, so I’m excited to be here, and I’m going to make the most out of it.”

Fritz echoed his countryman’s thoughts.

“Every year I look forward to being here with the team, the team environment and energy is something that you don’t get too often in tennis because it’s always individual, so just being with the guys and hanging out, and enjoying the week and getting fired up for the matches as well makes this week a lot of fun,” said the top-ranked American.

Another newcomer to Berlin is Dimitrov, who said he’s open to jumping on a tour bus.

“I always wanted to come to Berlin, and I’ve come for such a special occasion,” said the popular Bulgarian. “Hopefully I have some down time to go and explore the city … I want to go to all the best spots, and walk around, there’s so much history, I’ve read a little bit.”

The world No. 10, who last played Laver Cup in 2017, said it’s full circle that he’s back on Team Europe, which is now comprised of a younger cohort of players.

“I can definitely gather a little bit of my experience and apply that,” said Dimitrov, describing his teammates as being of another generation. “Now, I’m one of the older guys on the team and it feels good, it has some charm to it, I’m really, really enjoying it,” he said.

One returnee to Berlin is Team Europe’s Casper Ruud, who visited as a teenager on a school trip to learn about the city’s history and role in World War II.

“It’s been almost ten years now, so I’m happy to be back and to play tennis,” said the Norwegian.

Teammate Daniil Medvedev previously visited Berlin, having competed in a tournament twice as a junior. “I won it once,” he recalled. “I liked the city back then, I still like it,” smiled the 28-year-old.

“I’m excited to play Laver Cup, excited to come back, try to win.”

Though not known for his doubles prowess, Medvedev is more than prepared to be selected. “I’m ready … I improved big time this summer,” he said. “I probably won’t play, but if they put me [in], then I’m going to be there to win.”