Bizarre Laver Cup Moment as Zverev Ignores Alcaraz’s Advice in Defeat to Fritz

SME News UK. Alexander Zverev sparked confusion at the 2025 Laver Cup after appearing to ignore team-mate Carlos Alcaraz’s tactical input during his decisive defeat to Taylor Fritz.With Team Europe trailing 12-9, Zverev had the chance to level the score against the American. Midway through the second set, as Fritz prepared to serve, Alcaraz leaned in with advice, urging: “Put pressure on him, let him play, let’s fight, let’s work the point. At the beginning, two, three shots, and then go for it.”But instead of acknowledging the world No. 1, Zverev waved over Casper Ruud for guidance, asking: “What do you think?” Ruud offered a shorter, more aggressive plan: “I think you just go for it.”The German’s choice ultimately backfired. Fritz held serve, forced a tiebreak, and closed out the match in straight sets to seal Team World’s third Laver Cup triumph in eight editions, adding to their victories in 2022 and 2023.Fritz, who also defeated Alcaraz in straight sets the previous day, was jubilant afterward. “We’re definitely popping champagne in the locker room in a few minutes,” he said. “The energy from the team… the moments of winning feel so much better, and the moments of losing feel so much worse. I always feel I play my best tennis in team environments.”For Zverev and Team Europe, the loss was a bitter one, especially given the dramatic sideline moment that left fans questioning why the German turned away from the strategic advice of his higher-ranked team-mate.