Alcaraz Trains for the First Time as Spain Hits the Davis Cup Scene
Spain’s Davis Cup campaign centers on a young world number one who has just captured the US Open. Carlos Alcaraz arrived in Valencia with a buzz around his ears after clinching tennis’s most recent major title and earning the top ranking. His presence promises energy and a surge of belief for the Spanish team as they prepare for a pivotal group-stage match in the final phase of the competition.
On the opening day of the final group stage, the lineup for Spain featured Sergi Bruguera as captain, guiding a squad that includes the recent US Open champion and world number one, Alcaraz, alongside veteran players who bring a blend of experience and youth. The team is set to face a Serbian challenge that will test their resilience and teamwork from the first serve to the last rally.
The schedule announced for the day features a key singles encounter between Roberto Bautista and a rising Serbian opponent, with the second singles match pitting Alcaraz against another challenger who has proven to be a difficult rival. In doubles, Pedro Martínez and Marcel Granollers will form a dynamic pair ready to control the court with precise serves and tactical net play. Nikola Cacic is listed to take on Miomir Kecmanovic in a separate singles fixture, adding another layer of competition for Spain as the matches unfold.
Alcaraz trained for the first time in Valencia, stepping onto La Fonteta’s center court for a focused, half-hour session. The session gave him a chance to get reacquainted with the local environment after arriving directly from New York, where he had secured the top position in the rankings by winning the US Open. He shared the court with Bautista, allowing them to test combinations and discuss strategy with the captain and the team’s coaching staff.
During the session, Alcaraz and Bautista engaged in constructive exchanges with Castellón coach Daniel Gimeno Traver. After a short chat, they left the court with a clear sense of togetherness and a shared vision for the Spanish squad as they kick off this crucial Davis Cup phase. Accompanied by his longtime mentor and coach, Juan Carlos Ferrero, Alcaraz has spent a little more than a day in Valencia and used that time to connect with Bruguera and the rest of the team to align on roles, responsibilities, and expectations for the competition ahead.
The Spanish captain, Bruguera, outlined the plan for the group-stage matches and emphasized the importance of maintaining momentum from the Open title run into the Davis Cup arena. The squad’s composition—combining in-form talents with experienced hands—offers Spain a well-rounded chance to advance deep into the event. As the matches approach, players are focusing on execution under pressure, keeping a steady head, and leveraging the home support that could tilt the balance in crucial moments.
Valencia’s courts have become a focal point for Spain as their Davis Cup journey begins in earnest. The team’s approach blends tactical discipline with aggressive shotmaking, aiming to convert each opportunity and to translate their individual prowess into cohesive team performances. With Alcaraz reclaiming the top ranking and stepping into the spotlight, the Spaniards look to channel the new energy into a collective effort that reflects their history in this famous competition and their current form at the peak of the sport.