Daijiworld Media Network – San Francisco
San Francisco, Sep 22: Team World lifted their third Laver Cup title on Sunday after Taylor Fritz powered past Alexander Zverev 6-3, 7-6 (7/4), sealing a 15-9 victory over Team Europe at the Chase Center, home of the NBA’s Golden State Warriors.
Fritz, who had stunned Carlos Alcaraz a day earlier, closed the contest with a sharp backhand volley winner on his first match point, sparking wild celebrations from his teammates and World captain Andre Agassi.
“The energy from the team makes the highs so much better and the lows so much worse because you’re playing for everyone. It just fires me up,” said the American, ranked world No. 5.
Fritz dominated the opening set against a fatigued Zverev, before the German fought back in the second. Zverev broke back to level 4-4, but Fritz held his nerve and surged ahead in the tie-breaker to deliver the decisive blow.
Earlier in the day, Carlos Alcaraz gave Europe hope with a commanding 6-2, 6-1 win over Francisco Cerundolo and teamed up with Casper Ruud to beat Reilly Opelka and Alex Michelsen in doubles. But Australia’s Alex De Minaur stepped up for Team World, defeating Jakub Mensik 6-3, 6-4 to push the scoreline to 12-6, putting his side within touching distance of the Cup.
De Minaur, a late replacement for Frances Tiafoe, was the standout performer of the tournament with multiple singles and doubles wins.
With this triumph, Team World reclaimed the crown they lost to Europe in Berlin last year. Europe still lead historically with five Laver Cup victories out of eight editions since the event was co-created by Swiss legend Roger Federer. The 2026 edition will be held in London.