LONDON — Carlos Alcaraz has revealed he made a direct request to tennis chiefs to address ball selection after describing the playing conditions at the 2026 Laver Cup as among the slowest he has faced this year. The seven-time Grand Slam champion spoke after helping Team Europe to a 13-5 victory over Team World at The O2 Arena in London last week.
Alcaraz went unbeaten across his two appearances in the victory. He partnered Jakub Mensik to a 6-4, 6-4 doubles win over Taylor Fritz and Alexander Bublik on Friday, then edged Fritz 6-3, 4-6, 13-11 in a pulsating singles match on Saturday after saving two match points in the decisive 10-point tiebreak to keep Europe in control.
Asked alongside Mensik about the slow indoor conditions at The O2, Mensik said the surface was "probably, slowest surface that I have played on this year, like as far as hard courts are," adding it was "really tough for me to get used to it, to get the rhythm" and "even more difficult for me to finish the ball" given his serve and heavy groundstrokes. He added, with a smile, that with "the combination of the balls, which I consider them that they were not that good, as well, it was super slow." Alcaraz replied, "I mean, for me, I don’t mind slow courts (smiling). You know, especially with my serve, it’s not the biggest one."
Alcaraz said the broader trend is not primarily about courts but about balls, noting he has discussed the evolution of speed with Team Europe captain Yannick Noah. "I think it’s not about the courts. It is about the balls, I would say," Alcaraz said. "The ball becomes super big, and it’s totally different game when it’s new balls. We play two or three games with that balls, you have to adapt yourself the best you can." He added: "What I requested is that they have to see the best ball possible for the courts are made, the tournaments we’re going to play. I think that’s a really important things to know." The Spaniard stressed he is focused on adaptation, saying, "I’m trying to adapt myself and the game the best I can in the tournament that I go." The comments followed Alcaraz's comeback win over Fritz after saving two match points that helped seal Europe's week in London.