John McEnroe admits he wanted one player to play ‘terribly’ at the Laver Cup

John McEnroe will have grand plans for another Team World victory at the 2024 Laver Cup in Berlin this week. McEnroe bumped into Roger Federer at the Uber Arena, where Team World are looking for a third successive win. Having lost the first four Laver Cup events to Team Europe, McEnroe’s side went on to win the following two.

Federer is backing a Team Europe win, but it remains to be seen if Bjorn Borg can see off the threat from McEnroe and his players. The hosts have a hugely talented side on their hands, which includes home favourite Alexander Zverev and four-time Grand Slam champion Carlos Alcaraz. John McEnroe makes Carlos Alcaraz claim ahead of the Laver Cup

Bragging rights are certainly at stake in Berlin, with the competition set to once again bring out the competitive side of some of the best players in world tennis.

Team World captain McEnroe has already bared his teeth ahead of the tournament, telling the Laver Cup website: “I love Carlos, I have to admit… I hope he plays terribly this weekend. He’s the biggest breath of fresh air we’ve had in the sport in ten years.”

Carlos Alcaraz can deal with the pressure at the Laver Cup
Alcaraz has enjoyed a rapid rise to the top in a short space of time, with the Spaniard having already reached world number one in his brief career.

But the spotlight will undoubtedly be on the four-time Grand Slam winner in Berlin, given his roller-coaster season so far.

The 21-year-old emerged victorious at the French Open and Wimbledon, while he lost the 2024 Olympic final to Novak Djokovic.

More recently, Alcaraz suffered a shock second round exit at the US Open, ending his major season on a real low.

But if anyone can deal with the pressure of performing at the highest level then he can, with Borg set to rely heavily on the world number three.