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Main photo credit: Geoff Burke-USA TODAY Sports

Taylor Fritz Led Team World Clinches 2025 Laver Cup Title

Originally posted on Last Word On Sports
By Zain Mustafa | Last updated Sep 21, 2025 10:56 PM ET

Team World captured the 2025 Laver Cup title with a 15-9 triumph, sealing the crown in a dramatic finale on Day 3 at the Chase Center in San Francisco. The victory was especially thrilling, as the tournament remained undecided until the very last match, keeping fans on edge throughout the weekend.

For Team World, this marks a remarkable turnaround in the event’s short history. After dropping the first four editions, they have now claimed three of the past four titles. The overall series still tilts in Europe’s favor, 5-3, yet the momentum clearly belongs to Team World as the rivalry heads back to London’s O2 Arena next year.

Alcaraz and Ruud Give Europe Early Hope

The final day began with Europe carrying a daunting task: they needed to win every match to retain the trophy. Encouragingly, Carlos Alcaraz and Casper Ruud provided a bright start by defeating the American duo of Reilly Opelka and Alex Michelsen. Although the first set was tense and decided in a tiebreak, the momentum swung heavily toward the Europeans thereafter. With sharp returning and aggressive play, they ran away with the second set, sealing the contest 7-6, 6-1 and giving Europe a glimmer of hope.

De Minaur Stops Mensik to Put Team World on the Brink

Jakub Mensik faced Alex de Minaur in the next match. The Aussie carried over his good form from Day 2 and won comfortably, 6-3, 6-4. On paper, the matchup mirrored his clash with Alexander Zverev earlier in the weekend. Mensik’s serve and backhand were his main weapons. And on the slow indoor hard court, de Minaur’s plan to make the match physical and mix in the backhand slice proved too much once again. That result placed Team World within touching distance of the title, needing just one more win to close out the weekend.

Alcaraz Shines to Keep Europe Alive

World No. 1 Carlos Alcaraz was not ready to surrender though, producing arguably the performance of the tournament against Francisco Cerundolo. The Spaniard cruised to a 6-2, 6-1 victory in an incredible display of variety, movement, and shot-making. With that win, he gave Team Europe one final chance to turn the weekend around.

Fritz and Zverev Face Off in Decisive Finale

In the final match, Fritz faced Zverev with the Laver Cup title on the line. The German was hampered by a back injury. His serve speeds were well below their usual level, and Fritz wasted no time capitalizing. The American broke early and dictated with his forehand. That single break was enough to take the opening set, putting Team World just one set away from the trophy.

The second set began on more even terms, but once again Fritz struck first, breaking in the fifth game to edge closer to the title. With Team World just a couple of games away from glory, Zverev suddenly found another gear. He broke back in the eighth game, showing late resistance when it looked like the contest was slipping away. Both players then raised their level, producing some of their best tennis as the set marched into a tiebreak. Fritz held his nerve, doing just enough to outplay Zverev and seal the match and the Laver Cup, 6-3, 7-6.

Another Memorable Laver Cup Edition

This concludes the eighth edition of the Laver Cup—another year that featured packed crowds, the looming presence of Roger Federer, and a unique format and atmosphere that continue to spark debate about whether these matches should be counted in official records.

As the Chase Center says goodbye, Team Europe will hope that next year’s return to London’s O2 Arena brings them a change of fortune and a return to the winners’ table.

This article first appeared on Last Word On Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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