Laver Cup 2024: Alexander Zverev looking forward to home game in Berlin – Mischa: “He can ensure victory”

For Alexander Zverev, it is a home game: the venue for the showdown is Berlin, so the Hamburg native can be sure of the loud support of the audience during his performances.

In addition to Zverev, who has been number two in the world for almost two weeks, “Team Europe” can count on French Open and Wimbledon winners Carlos Alcaraz (Spain). Also Daniil Medvedev (Russia), Casper Ruud (Norway), Grigor Dimitrov (Bulgaria) and Stefanos Tsitsipas (Greece) are in the squad of team captain Björn Borg.

Zverev is looking forward to the “class reunion” as his brother Mischa revealed in the exclusive Eurosport-Interview. The brother of the German number one also talks about his relationship with Daniil Medvedev, explains his quarter-final exit at the US Open – and reacts to the latest statements by Roger Federer.

For Alexander Zverev, the Laver Cup in Berlin is a home game.

Fotocredit: Getty Images

With the Laver Cup, the annual class reunion of tennis superstars is just around the corner. With what anticipation and expectations is Alexander Zverev traveling to Berlin?

Mischa Zverev: It is always a special event for the players because it is of course associated with ambition. Everyone wants to win for their team. But on the other hand, it is also like a school trip. You have fun together in the team, the players all get on well. You do things that you might not otherwise do. Years ago you go to dinner with Roger (Federer, d. Red.), my Rafa (Nadal, d. Red.) and has a pleasant evening. You don’t get that at a normal tournament – and certainly not at a Grand Slam. Here it’s really a bit like a school trip with the other opponents, who are team players for this one week. I think Sascha (Alexander’s nickname, d. Red.) is very happy. It’s always a lot of fun.

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To what extent is it an honour and appreciation for a player to be part of “Team Europe”?

Zverev: You have to ask the players. But I think they all appreciate it a lot. It’s a special event and it happens once a year. So far, all the events in different places and cities have always been a highlight. Europe won a few times in a row – and the last few times when Sascha didn’t play, Europe didn’t win. So we hope that he can bring the win again this time.

You often hear and read that Daniil Medvedev and Alexander are not “best buddies”. To what extent can a team event like this help to bridge old divides?

Zverev: I don’t think that they are stressed out with each other. They have always trained together at the past tournaments, at least once before each tournament. They get on really well. I think it will be a normal week for them both, where they will get on well. And when it comes to doubles, they will play together easily.

We know what to do

“Terrible of me”: Zverev deeply frustrated after US Open exit

Zverev: It didn’t take very long, it actually went quite well. And lessons: There’s a lot you can learn from it and a lot you can say, but it’s actually irrelevant. We know what we have to do. Sascha knows, the team knows. So far, everyone is on the right and good path, there’s definitely no panic or anything like that. Everything is fine.

Roger Federer has your brother a more offensive style of play is recommendedHe said that Sascha is a player who “plays far too passively and defensively when it matters. Sascha has to remember that he can’t be too passive. Then something really big can happen. He has to believe in it.” How do you as a family and Sascha in particular reflect on this kind of criticism?Zverev: That is not a criticism. Roger was asked something and he answered openly and honestly. He understands the game, that is quite clear. He knows tennis. Sascha also understands the game and knows tennis. The way to the top is a process. Sascha is currently number two in the world.

There are many people, not Roger, but in general, who are constantly saying or writing something. You must not forget: He is number two, and he can just as easily become number one. He does what he does very well. Of course Roger is right, as are many others, that there are situations in which you can play or act differently. But when you look back, every player knows something about themselves or someone else that they could have done better – regardless of whether they win or lose.

Becker is not an issue so far

Boris Becker has also addressed Sascha’s weaknesses several times in the past. Many fans in Germany are wondering whether a collaboration between the currently best German player and the tennis legend at Grand Slams could lead to fruitful results. Is that an issue for you in Team Zverev?

Zverev: “Played my best tennis at Wimbledon”