Teams Taking Shape for Laver Cup London

The first four players confirmed for Laver Cup London are at the top of the rankings and veterans of the competition: Carlos Alcaraz and Alexander Zverev for Team Europe, Taylor Fritz and Alex de Minaur for Team World.

Alcaraz sits at No.1, the holder of seven majors, behind him Zverev at No.4 with 24 titles. De Minaur returned to a career-best No.6 after claiming the ATP 500 in Rotterdam at the weekend, and US Open 2024 finalist Fritz is No.8 with 10 titles in his pocket.

Proven Performers

Zverev is preparing for his seventh Laver Cup campaign, the most of any player, dating back to the inaugural event in Prague in 2017. He owns a 9-7 overall record (7-4 in singles), has accounted for the most points [21] in Laver Cup history and has been part of five Team Europe victories. His most recent title came in Berlin, where he competed alongside Alcaraz, who made a striking debut.

Alcaraz has played two Laver Cup campaigns and holds a 6–2 record overall, 3–1 in singles. In Berlin, the Spaniard won three out of four matches including a title-clinching victory over Fritz on Sunday.

Fritz has been a force for Team World in the competition. He will make his sixth appearance in London, having played 10 matches and recording a stellar 7–3 record, including 6–2 in singles.

De Minaur will contest his third Laver Cup, bringing a 4–1 overall record and an undefeated 3–0 singles mark. He was arguably the co-MVP with Fritz in World’s win in San Francisco, claiming two singles and the doubles on Saturday with Alex Michelsen.

The Demonizing effect

The Australian was part of Team World’s breakthrough victory in London in 2022 under Captain John McEnroe and lifted the trophy again last year in San Francisco with incoming tennis great Andre Agassi at the helm.

The event consistently brings out his best. In London, he defeated hometown favorite Andy Murray at The O2 to secure Team World’s first singles point on a Friday night. In San Francisco, he beat higher-ranked Zverev on Day 2 and partnered with Alex Michelsen to win doubles. He later extended his winning run against Jakub Mensik.

Capturing his 11th ATP singles title at Rotterdam, de Minaur is regarded as one of the most consistent and indefatigable players on tour. At the recent Australian Open, he reached his sixth major quarterfinal, falling to eventual champion Alcaraz.

“I’m not losing too many matches to players I possibly shouldn’t lose to,” he said. “You just got to keep on moving. It’s the only way.” Alex de Minaur

Observed Agassi: “He’s not interested in doing a lot of talking … he’s interested in talking with his racket and his feet. He’s a soft-spoken guy who loves to discuss tennis, processes everything fast, just like he plays.”

Fritz: Built for the Big Moments

Fritz’s Laver Cup journey began in Geneva in 2019, when, ranked No.30 and just 21 years old, he stepped off the bench to replace an injured Nick Kyrgios. Fired up by the team atmosphere, he defeated then-world No.5 Dominic Thiem in a critical Sunday match.

His ranking has climbed steadily since. The highest-ranked American, Fritz owns 10 ATP titles, including the ATP Masters at Indian Wells in 2022, three grass court titles in Eastbourne, and a runner-up finish at the 2024 US Open.

He has rarely faltered in Laver Cup competition. Losses have cut deeply, including a decider against Alcaraz in Berlin, but he returned the following year in San Francisco with renewed determination. He defeated the Spanish phenomenon in straight sets on Day 2 and later sealed the tie against Zverev on Sunday.

Zverev, who holds winning records against most opponents, has not upheld that same standard against the American. After losing to Fritz for the fifth consecutive time at the 2025 Stuttgart Open, Zverev jokingly told him to “stay away” for the next two to three years. Fritz now leads their head-to-head 9–5, but against Alcaraz, Fritz trails 1–5. That sole win came on Day 2 at Laver Cup San Francisco, watched by Agassi, who later praised Fritz’s “conviction and passion.”

“I think Taylor is unflappable,” said the eight-time major champion. “If you don’t have that finishing shot against Taylor, he can go backhand-to-backhand all day. He’s going to dictate from the center of the court once he gets that opportunity.”

Zverev and Alcaraz: Europe’s Edge

Zverev remains one of Team Europe’s most experienced campaigners. He has partnered with Roger Federer (Chicago, Geneva), Andrey Rublev and Matteo Berrettini (Boston), and Alcaraz (Berlin). His 7–4 singles record underscores his value in tight matches. Observed Agassi: “Zverev has a monster serve and one of the greatest backhands in the history of the game. He’s 6’6” and a great athlete.”

In January, Zverev came within a handful of points of defeating Alcaraz during the Spaniard’s title run at the Australian Open. Falling 6-4 7-6 6-7 6-7 7-5, he reflected:

“I think this is one of the best battles there ever was in Australia. I think we both went to our absolute limits.”

Alcaraz, at a mere 22, continues to set the standard at the top of the game. His explosiveness, shot-making range, and competitive instincts make him a constant threat in the Laver Cup format.

“Alcaraz is just … it’s a crime to be that good. You can stick him out there and he’s going to be dangerous. You always worry about him.” Andre Agassi

Noting his charisma and positivity, Team Europe Captain Yannick Noah revealed, “There was a moment when I was about to get on the court with Carlito and he looked at me and said, ‘Captain, I’m going to kill,’ with a big smile.”

Momentum Building

Between them, the four players have contested 39 Laver Cup matches. They bring experience, winning records, and a history of delivering when their teams need them most.

With four more players still to complete his six-man roster, Agassi expects every selection for Laver Cup’s second London edition from September 25-27, 2026, to arrive with unmatched intensity.

“I hope the players have more enthusiasm to play than they ever had. I won’t be satisfied with the same enthusiasm,” he declared.

For Noah, belief will underpin Team Europe’s campaign. “I always believe that if you want to win, you have to be optimistic no matter what.”

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