Europe's untested doubles pairing seals Laver Cup triumph as Alcaraz sits out
Team Europe defeated Team World 13-5 to win the 2026 Laver Cup. In Sunday's opening doubles, Flavio Cobolli and Jakub Mensik, who had not previously partnered, beat Alex de Minaur and Taylor Fritz 7-5, 6-3. Alexander Zverev then defeated Learner Tien 7-6(3), 6-3 to clinch the title, while Carlos Alcaraz was rested from doubles due to physical fatigue and saved for singles.
Europe entered Sunday ahead 7-5, needing two victories from four possible matches. Yannick Noah and Tim Henman selected Flavio Cobolli and Jakub Mensik for the three-point doubles opener, despite the pair having no shared match experience. They defeated Alex de Minaur and Taylor Fritz in straight sets.
Carlos Alcaraz was held out of doubles because Tim Henman said he felt physical strain, with Europe prioritizing him for singles. Alexander Zverev then beat Learner Tien in two sets to secure the 13-5 result. Mensik noted the unfamiliar duo improved as the match progressed.
The result may reinforce the Laver Cup's appeal as a team event where captaincy and scheduling choices matter as much as star power. Fans could see Alcaraz's absence as a reminder that athlete workload management shapes entertainment value. Younger players such as Cobolli and Mensik may gain visibility from decisive roles, potentially influencing sponsorship interest and future team selections. Organizers may benefit from a close, narrative-driven competition, though resting top names could disappoint some ticket buyers.