Carlos Alcaraz explains decision to play Davis Cup right after US Open victory

09/14/2022 12:00 PM

Carlos Alcaraz says playing the Davis Cup is something "special" and that's one of the reasons why he didn't want to miss out on a chance to be with his team this week.  On Sunday, Alcaraz defeated Casper Ruud in the US Open final for his first Grand Slam title.  But Alcaraz does not want to rest following two mentally and physically demanding weeks as he wants to help Spain progress into the Davis Cup Finals knockout stage.  This week in Valencia, Spain will be taking on Serbia, Canada and Korea in the Davis Cup Finals group stage.  "Very proud to arrive as No. 1 and do my bit for the team. Playing the Davis Cup is always special, it's a unique atmosphere and I'm looking forward to being with the team," Alcaraz said, per the Davis Cup website. Spanish captain happy to have Alcaraz Earlier this year, 19-year-old Alcaraz made his debut by helping Spain beat Romania in the Davis Cup qualifiers.  Alcaraz was scheduled to make his Davis Cup debut during last year's Davis Cup Finals, but a positive COVID-19 test ruled him out of the event.  “What you experience playing Davis Cup is completely different,” Spanish team captain Sergi Bruguera said. “You play for your country and that’s always special. Tennis is a very individual sport. Playing a competition like this allows you to grow personally. The important thing is to have players in good form, and I think I have that.” Alcaraz is now a Grand Slam champion and the top-ranked player in the world.  “We all knew it was going to happen sooner or later,” Bruguera added. “But the way he won three matches in five sets is an incredible effort mentally as well as physically. Being the youngest No. 1 in the world, there aren’t any words.” It remains to be seen if Alcaraz can continue his fine form this week and help Spain progress into the knockout stafe.