On the eve of the Laver Cup getting underway, Alexander Zverev had no hesitation telling reporters he believes his team has the ability to beat anybody, and with good reason.
The German world No.3 is part of a strong European contingent that features seven players, all currently ranked in the top 25. Carlos Alcaraz headlines the team in what will be the first event he has played since winning the US Open earlier this month. Holger Rune, Casper Ruud, Flavio Cobolli and Jakub Mensik are also taking part.
“I believe that this team can beat anyone,” said Zverev. “Every single player on this team knows how to win big tournaments and big titles and big matches. For me, sitting on the bench while watching these guys is very, very comfortable. I have full trust in every single player.”
Europe has dominated the Laver Cup since its birth in 2017 by winning five out of the past seven editions. However, their opponents, Team World, have been triumphant in two out of the past three years. Those participating do not receive any ranking points, but they are handsomely compensated in two ways. The first is the appearance fee, which is based on the player’s ranking. Secondly, the champions will each earn $250,000 in prize money.
“It’s a little extra pressure, because you feel like you’re also playing for your teammates and your captains,” said three-time Grand Slam finalist Ruud. “You want to give your best. I’ve been on the winning side and the losing side, and winning is a much better feeling. I played ties where it’s been blowouts both ways. I have played ties when we were leading going into Day 3 and lost. Last year, we were down going into Day 3 and won.”
Team World’s chances have been dealt a blow leading up to this year’s event, with Ben Shelton and Tommy Paul both having to pull out. Nevertheless, four out of the seven members are American, with the highest-ranked being Taylor Fritz. The other three are Alex de Minaur, Francisco Cerundolo and Joao Fonseca. Overseeing their performance in the three-day event will be new team captain Andre Agassi, as well as vice-captain Pat Rafter.
“It’s great to be here, to be a part of an amazing team, and obviously to be able to pick Pat’s brain,” said Australia’s de Minaur. “I’m very excited to be a part of Team World with these amazing competitors and to pick not only Pat’s, but Andre’s brain. It’s epic, right? You don’t get these opportunities often.”
The opening day of the tie is scheduled to start with Ruud taking on Reilly Opelka, followed by Mensik taking on Alex Michelson. Then, in the evening, Fonseca will make his debut as the youngest player to ever participate in the event. He will face Cobolli. Finally, Alcaraz will make an appearance in the doubles alongside Mensil when they face Fritz and Michelsen. A total of four points will be up for grabs on the first day. The first team to 13 points wins.
This year’s Laver Cup is being held in San Francisco at the Chase Center.
ORDER OF PLAY – FRIDAY
start at 1 p.m. (GMT-7)
Casper Ruud (EUR) vs Reilly Opelka (WLD)
Jakub Mensik (EUR) vs Alex Michelsen (WLD)
Not Before 7 p.m. (GMT-7)
Flavio Cobolli (EUR) vs Joao Fonseca (WLD)
Carlos Alcaraz (EUR) / Jakub Mensik (EUR) vs Taylor Fritz (WLD) / Alex Michelsen (WLD)
