Alexander Zverev contributed decisively to Team Europe's victory at the Laver Cup on Sunday, further highlighting his impressive season. After winning his first two Grand Slam titles at the French Open and U.S. Open this year, Zverev defeated Learner Tien 7-6 (3), 6-3, leading Europe to a 13-5 win.
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Zverev has participated in all six of Team Europe's victories in this Ryder Cup-style event and holds the record for most Laver Cup singles wins with eight.
“Winning as a team — there’s no better feeling in sports,” Zverev said, emphasizing the joy of competing alongside top players he usually faces as opponents.
Team World, the reigning champions from the previous year, had won the event in San Francisco.
Zverev's performance marked a turnaround after a recent loss to Alex de Minaur on Saturday, which ended his nine-match singles winning streak that included his U.S. Open title and two Davis Cup wins for Germany.
“I haven’t won a Laver Cup match in two years, so I’m happy I did it today,” said Zverev, acknowledging Team World's strong competition. “We have a great team chemistry.”
In his Laver Cup debut, Tien had previously secured a win against Flavio Cobolli on Saturday. Earlier in the day, Cobolli and Jakub Mensik helped extend Europe’s lead by defeating de Minaur and Taylor Fritz in doubles, 7-5, 6-3.
Zverev's victory clinched the win for Europe three matches early, allowing Carlos Alcaraz to remain on the sidelines.
“We had three chances to close it out in singles,” Zverev noted, expressing confidence with Alcaraz playing after him.
During the trophy presentation, Team World captain Andre Agassi praised Zverev, referring to him by his nickname. “Congratulations, Sascha, on the crazy year,” he said.
Alcaraz had previously contributed with victories in both doubles and singles matches over the weekend. In the Laver Cup, wins are valued differently: one point on Friday, two points on Saturday, and three points on Sunday, with 13 points needed for victory.