Demon’s heroics in vain as Europe snatch back Laver Cup
Alex de Minaur’s giant killing heroics were in vain as Team Europe fought back to regain the coveted Laver Cup trophy from Team World on Monday (AEST).
With 88-year-old Australian icon Rod Laver watching on at The O2 in London, Alexander Zverev sealed Europe’s victory with a 7-6, 6-3 win over Learner Tien.
Carlos Alcaraz of Team Europe celebrates with the Laver Cup. Getty Images for Laver Cup
Aussie de Minaur – a favourite of World captain Andre Agassi – had stunned world No.2 Zverev with a 2-6, 7-6, 11-9 triumph the previous day.
But the 27-year-old was unable to repeat that magic in the doubles, as he and Taylor Fritz were outplayed 7-5, 6-3 by Flavio Cobolli and Jakub Mensik.
Europe won the tie 13-5 under captain Yannick Noah, meaning de Minaur’s scheduled singles clash with Carlos Alcaraz did not need to be played.
De Minaur is 4-0 in teams singles matches.
“We were very close,” de Minaur said.
“Yesterday, we won two supers (10-point tiebreakers) and lost one with Taylor playing an epic match. We were up against it from the get-go.
“We were the underdogs and put in a hell of a fight. A couple of points here and there could have changed the whole tie.”
The victory marked the fourth time Zverev had helped to clinch the Laver Cup. He also secured the winning points in Chicago in 2018, Geneva in 2019, and in Boston in 2021 when he won the doubles alongside Russian Andrey Rublev.
Zverev's victory sparked jubilant celebrations, with the European players leaping in celebration and singing on court.
“I’m happy that I did it today,” Zverev said.
“But massive credit to the entire Team World. They pushed us all the way. I think we had a great team, great team chemistry and a great team effort. We’re definitely happy that we won! We had three chances to close it out in the singles.
“Especially with Carlos playing after me, I think that gives me a lot of confidence and gives me a little bit of freedom to play. But still, it was an incredibly tough match. Credit to Learner as well.
Flavio Cobolli and Jakub Mensik of Team Europe celebrate. Getty Images for Laver Cup
"I think Carlos is also very happy that I closed it out. And me too, by the way! I'm very happy that I won."
Hollywood star Leonardo DiCaprio and Swiss tennis great Roger Federer, a co-founder and co-owner of the Laver Cup, were among the spectators.
The annual tournament, which began in 2017, is intended to be tennis’ equivalent of golf’s Ryder Cup. Team Europe lifted the trophy in 2017, 2018, 2019, 2021 and 2024 before adding this year’s crown, while Team World won the title in 2022, 2023 and 2025.
The 2027 edition, which will mark the tournament’s 10th staging, will be held at the Intuit Dome in Inglewood, California.
- with Reuters
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