Alexander Zverev Seals Laver Cup Victory for Team Europe
Sports Correspondent: Imran Sohail
German star defeats Learner Tien 7-6, 6-3 as Team Europe claim sixth Laver Cup title
LONDON: Alexander Zverev delivered the decisive performance as Team Europe defeated Team World to lift the Laver Cup at London’s O2 Arena on Sunday.
The world number two overcame 20-year-old American Learner Tien 7-6 (7/3), 6-3 in the final singles match, securing the trophy for Team Europe.
The European side completed a convincing 13-5 victory after the three-day exhibition tournament, which began on Friday. Tournament co-founder Roger Federer was also present in the stands to watch the action.
Team Europe had entered the final day needing two more wins to secure the title. Flavio Cobolli and Jakub Mensik gave the team an important boost by defeating Taylor Fritz and Alex de Minaur in the doubles.
Zverev then produced a strong finish against Tien after a closely fought opening set. The German saved a set point before winning the first-set tie-break 7-3. He then raised his level in the second set to complete the victory 6-3.
The triumph came after a difficult start to the tournament for Zverev. He suffered a doubles defeat on Friday and was beaten by Alex de Minaur on Saturday despite having several match points.
Carlos Alcaraz, who was also part of Team Europe, helped turn the momentum around on Saturday before Zverev partnered Casper Ruud to win their doubles match.
The victory marked only Team Europe’s second Laver Cup title in the past five editions of the event. The Ryder Cup-style tournament was launched in 2017 and does not award ATP ranking points.
Zverev, a two-time Grand Slam champion, said he was pleased to finally secure a singles victory at the event after struggling in his previous appearances.
“I haven’t won a match here in two years, so I’m happy that I did it today,” Zverev said.
He also praised Team World for making the contest competitive and credited his European teammates for maintaining strong team spirit throughout the tournament.
