Carlos Alcaraz Advises Ruud at Laver Cup
Carlos Alcaraz offered Casper Ruud tactical advice during Ruud's Laver Cup opening match against Francisco Cerundolo.
Alcaraz takes an active courtside role
Casper Ruud began the Laver Cup for Team Europe against Francisco Cerundolo, with both teams gathered near the court for the opening singles match. The team format gives players a close view of every change in momentum.
Carlos Alcaraz was especially vocal during the first set. He urged Ruud to test Cerundolo with backhands down the line, vary the look with drop shots, and make the Argentine uncomfortable at net. The advice focused on moving Cerundolo away from his preferred forehand patterns. It was direct coaching from the bench.
Ruud loses a lengthy opening set
The opening set went to a tie-break, and Cerundolo took it after 65 minutes. Ruud could not turn Alcaraz's suggestions into a set lead despite the detailed guidance from the European bench.
Ruud arrives as No. 17 with a 5-5 record across his last 10 completed matches. That even run gives the result added context, as he looked to start a team event that can quickly shift on a single match. There was little margin. Cerundolo held firm when the set tightened.
Alcaraz brings strong recent form
Alcaraz is due to play doubles with Jakub Mensik against Alexander Bublik and Taylor Fritz. His involvement from the sideline came before he takes the court himself for Team Europe.
The Spaniard is No. 3 and has gone 8-2 in his last 10 completed matches. He has also chosen this event over Spain's Davis Cup tie with Chile, which Spain won 4-0. Alcaraz has made the Laver Cup part of his schedule again. He said he enjoys the rare chance to play within a team.
Team Europe turns to the remaining matches
The Laver Cup runs from September 25 through September 27, before the leading ATP players move on to events in China and Japan. Roger Federer created the competition in 2017, and Europe is trying to respond after losing the previous edition.
Alcaraz joins Alexander Zverev, Ruud, Mensik, Rafael Jodar, and Flavio Cobolli on the European side. Team World includes Cerundolo, Bublik, Fritz, Brandon Nakashima, and Learner Tien. The benches remain part of the contest. Alcaraz's early intervention showed how much tactical input can come from teammates between points.
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