Olympic Gold Medalist Alexander Zverev Adds Star Power to Roger Federer’s Tournament

With five weeks left to go for the Laver Cup, Team Europe received a huge addition earlier today. Olympic gold medalist Alexander Zverev will join Matteo Berrettini to represent Europe next month.

Four spots remain in Team Europe, while Team World has just three spots remaining.

Alexander Zverev joins Bjorn Borg-led Team Europe for the Laver Cup

The German continued his rich vein from the 2020 season, where he reached the US Open final. He reached the quarterfinals in the Australian Open before losing to eventual champion Novak Djokovic. At the French Open, he reached the semifinals before losing to current World No. 3 Stefanos Tsitsipas in a five-set thriller. The Greek player eventually lost to Djokovic in the final.

Although he suffered a shock exit in the Round of 16 at Wimbledon, he started the hart court season in stunning fashion. En route to his gold medal win at the Tokyo Olympics, Zverev defeated Djokovic in a three-set classic in the semifinals, before defeating Karen Khachanov in straight sets in the final.

Alexander Zverev celebrates after clinching gold in the Tokyo Olympics
MUNICH, GERMANY – AUGUST 02: MUNICH, GERMANY – AUGUST 02: German tennis player and Tokyo 2020 gold medalist Alexander Zverev (2ndR) and his family celebrate surrounded by fans after his arrival at Airport Munich on August 02, 2021 in Munich, Germany. (Photo by Alyn Ledang/Getty Images)

Zverev featured in the inaugural Laver Cup in 2017 for Team Europe. Since then, he has been a regular feature in the tournament, and has taken the responsibility of being a crucial player for the team. In fact, his victory over Kevin Anderson in 2018 won them the tournament, while he did the same in 2019 against Milos Raonic.

Since its inception, Team Europe won all editions of the Laver Cup. However, the tournament did not take place in 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic. By taking part this year, Zverev will make his fourth appearance in the tournament.

READ MORE: Why Is Alexander Zverev Nicknamed As “Sascha”?

Denis Shapovalov headlines current list of Team World

Denis Shapovalov, Felix Auger-Aliassime and Diego Schwartzman have secured three of the six available spots in Team World. Despite the team only half complete, it looks to be a strong one so far.

Denis Shapovalov
Aug 11, 2021; Toronto, Ontario, Canada; Denis Shapovalov of Canada returns a ball to Frances Tiafoe of the United States (not pictured) at Aviva Centre. Mandatory Credit: John E. Sokolowski-USA TODAY Sports

While the tournament is five weeks away, expect more star power to enter the tournament in the time that remains. Bjorn Borg will lead Team Europe, while John McEnroe will lead Team World from September 24-26.

WATCH STORY: BRUTAL: Novak Djokovic, Alexander Zverev, Daniil Medvedev, Nick Kyrgios, and Others’ Racquet Smashes at French Open

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