Team Europe defeated World Team 13-5 at the Laver Cup inside London’s O2 Arena, capped by Carlos Alcaraz securing two victories and partnering with Czech player Jakub Menšík in doubles. While the exhibition event does not award ATP ranking points, players split a $1.5 million team prize pool alongside undisclosed appearance fees.
London O2 Arena Sees Team Europe Reclaim Laver Cup
Team Europe decisively defeated Andre Agassi’s World Team 13-5 over the weekend in London, avenging their previous year’s loss in San Francisco. The three-day exhibition tournament brought together top ATP stars, including Carlos Alcaraz, Alexander Zverev, Flavio Cobolli, Rafael Jódar, and Casper Ruud for the winning European side.
For Alcaraz, the tournament marked only his second appearance following a four-month pause. The 23-year-old Spaniard acknowledged that he needed matches to find his rhythm again. “I’m in a phase where I need matches to get back into rhythm,” Alcaraz said. “It was nice to see that I am competitive again. And on top of that, I love being able to cheer for the guys on the bench.”
Menšík and Alcaraz Pair Up on Court and Go Viral Off It
Alcaraz spent significant time cheering from the sidelines, particularly supporting 21-year-old Czech player Jakub Menšík during his tight singles match against Brandon Nakashimou. Although Menšík dropped that singles encounter, the pair teamed up in Friday doubles to defeat Alexander Bublik and Taylor Fritz.
Tim Henman, deputy captain for Team Europe, noted that although the pair had limited practice time in London, their chemistry carried over from previous events. “Carlos and Jakub played doubles well together last year in San Francisco,” Henman said. “Moreover, it is obvious that they get along not only on the court, but also off it.”
Social media amplified their partnership further when a video surfaced showing Menšík teaching Alcaraz a specific dance celebration used after winning a game. “Kuba did it before my match against Taylor Fritz, so I figured it’s a great dance,” Alcaraz laughed. “But I couldn’t do it at all, I’m a terrible dancer. But he managed to teach me.”
Financial Breakdown and Agassi’s Closing Remarks in London
Beyond the on-court action, financial figures surrounding the Laver Cup emerged following the conclusion of play. Every member of the winning European squad earned an equal share of the $1.5 million team prize, amounting to approximately 5,3 milionu českých korun gross, which translates to roughly 3,5 milionu českých korun net after taxes. In addition to the team prize, participants receive appearance fees that remain confidential and vary based on player ranking and status, with reports indicating Alcaraz commanded a $1.5 million appearance fee and Zverev over $1 million.
The tournament concluded with lighthearted banter during the closing ceremony. World Team captain Andre Agassi entertained the London crowd by teasing Alexander Zverev over his post-match press conferences following his Grand Slam title win earlier in the year. Zverev accepted the remarks with an amused smile as the teams parted ways.
Players Return to ATP Tour Hardcourt Swing
With the London exhibition concluded, tournament organizers have not yet confirmed the exact host city or dates for the next edition of the Laver Cup. Players will now pivot back to the individual ATP Tour hardcourt swing as the autumn season accelerates toward the final months of the year.
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