Phoenix 24
The trophy returned to Europe before its biggest star even had to play.
London
Team Europe has reclaimed the Laver Cup after defeating Team World 13-5 at The O2 in London, securing a record extending sixth title in the competition. The final day required only two victories for Yannick Noah’s team to close the contest. Flavio Cobolli and Jakub Mensik first won the doubles, before Alexander Zverev defeated Learner Tien in straight sets to deliver the decisive points. Europe therefore recovered the trophy only one year after losing it in San Francisco.
Carlos Alcaraz did not need to take the court on Sunday, but his influence on the weekend had already been significant. The Spaniard entered the tournament as one of Team Europe’s central figures and played a crucial role in maintaining momentum during the previous sessions. His victory over Taylor Fritz on Saturday, achieved after saving match points, helped preserve Europe’s advantage heading into the final day. Alcaraz had been scheduled to face Alex de Minaur, but Zverev’s win ended the competition before that match became necessary.
The title also strengthened Europe’s historical dominance in the event. The continent now leads the all time Laver Cup series by six titles to three. Team World had arrived in London as defending champion after winning in San Francisco in 2025, but the European lineup proved deeper and more consistent across the three day format.
Zverev provided the final blow with a 7-6, 6-3 victory over Tien. The German recovered from difficulties earlier in the weekend and converted the decisive match into one of his most important performances in the competition. Cobolli and Mensik had already placed Europe within one victory of the trophy by beating Taylor Fritz and Alex de Minaur 7-5, 6-3 in doubles.
For Alcaraz, the result adds another team achievement to a season already defined by his return to elite competition. His presence gave Europe both competitive weight and leadership, even though the final point came from another teammate. The structure of the Laver Cup makes that distinction important: individual stars matter, but collective depth ultimately determines who lifts the trophy.
London therefore delivered more than Europe’s sixth title. It showed how a team built around Alcaraz, Zverev and a younger supporting generation could reclaim control of a competition that had become increasingly balanced.
Hechos que no se doblan. / Facts that do not bend.