Zverev seals Laver Cup triumph as Europe regains trophy in London
Team Europe regained the Laver Cup in London, finishing with a 13-5 victory over Team World. Alexander Zverev clinched the result by beating Learner Tien 7-6(3), 6-3 after Flavio Cobolli and Jakub Mensik won the opening doubles rubber. Zverev, who had won Roland-Garros and the US Open earlier in the season, described winning as a team as the best feeling in sports.
Europe entered Sunday ahead 7-5 and needed two victories from four scheduled matches. Cobolli and Mensik delivered the first by defeating De Minaur and Fritz 7-5, 6-3, pushing Europe to 10-5. Zverev then defeated Tien 7-6(3), 6-3, making remaining singles involving Alcaraz and Jodar unnecessary.
Zverev’s clinch followed his Saturday loss to De Minaur and a doubles win with Ruud. Earlier, Alcaraz erased two match points against Fritz. Zverev, a Roland-Garros and US Open champion this season, has appeared at the Laver Cup seven times, more than any other player.
The result may boost interest in team tennis events, especially in London, where local fans and younger viewers could be drawn to the Laver Cup’s collaborative format. Zverev’s role as a Grand Slam champion and experienced Laver Cup player might raise the event’s profile, while Cobolli and Mensik’s doubles success could encourage more players and fans to value doubles. Sponsors, broadcasters, and grassroots programs may see short-term engagement benefits, though long-term effects remain uncertain.