Alexander Zverev defeated Learner Tien on the final day of the Laver Cup to lead Team Europe to their sixth title.
US Open champion Zverev bounced back from a disappointing defeat to Team World’s Alex de Minaur on day two and cruised to a 7-6 (7-3) 6-3 victory over Tien at the O2 Arena in London.
After Carlos Alcaraz’s heroics kept Europe in contention following that defeat on day two, Flavio Cobolli and Jakub Mensik beat De Minaur and Taylor Fritz in doubles to extend their lead ahead of Zverev’s triumph.
The two victories brought Europe’s total to the 13 required to win, meaning Alcaraz was not required to play again.
“I haven’t won a Laver Cup match for two years, so I’m happy I did it today,” Zverev said.
“Huge credit goes to the whole World team. They pushed us all the way again, they were champions last year. We have great team chemistry, it was a team effort.
“Winning as a team, there is no better feeling in sport. We don’t get enough of that in tennis.”
American Tien, 20, was making his world team debut and kept his composure in the first set to force a tiebreak, but world number two Zverev took control in the second and wrapped up the victory in one hour and 49 minutes.
Zverev was part of the European team’s six Laver Cup victories and had the most singles victories at the event with eight.
Gn sports
