The official Laver Cup account on X (formerly Twitter) announced the first three Team Europe players on Thursday, February 8. Alexander Zverev’s inclusion was met with heavy criticism from fans. Many threatened to not attend the team tournament if the German kept his place.
The Laver Cup, the brainchild of Roger Federer’s, sees Team Europe take on Team World over a series of matches in September annually. The Swiss icon’s last professional match came in the 2022 edition of this event. Last year, Team Europe abjectly surrendered as many experts and fans lamented the absence of star players. However, things seem better this time as Carlos Alcaraz and Daniil Medvedev have been confirmed to participate along with Zverev.
Zverev’s participation, though, faced backlash on X. He is facing two separate allegations of domestic abuse and is scheduled for trial. Fans were unhappy with the Laver Cup organisers for allowing him to feature.
Is that Zverev, the women abuser? Nah. I’m definitely hallucinating because LaverCup wouldn’t promote such players.
— V (@vanistrator) February 8, 2024
He’s literally accused of physical abuse at your event have some shame
— Ella ❤️ | Notoriously deported with stolen tweets (@tennis_poetry) February 8, 2024
there are so many wonderful europeans on tour, why choose the one with domestic abuse allegations!
— mady (@theWAGproject) February 8, 2024
First two great but not Zverev please. It is very uncomfortable watching him with the domestic abuse allegations against him and a court appearance due later this year.
— VickyS #FBPE #RF103 GENERAL ELECTION NOW (@VSnodin) February 8, 2024
Why would you invite a player who is going to court for domestic abuse
— Lucy (@lucy_fionaa) February 8, 2024
literally are you not ashamed @LaverCup https://t.co/0R0bcJ3y49
— cher(nobyl) (@gretaagerwig) February 8, 2024
shame on you for selecting a domestic abuser. disgusting.
— (@agnes_kozma) February 8, 2024
Really disappointing that of all the players you could have chosen, you select Zverev who is facing a trial for domestic abuse. It makes your tournament look really bad.
— Volleyfun Meeting 68 (@volleyfun68) February 8, 2024
The Laver Cup shifted bases to Berlin, Germany, for the 2024 edition. A couple of fans mentioned how Zverev’s trial will be held in the same city.
Both his trial *and* the Laver Cup in Germany this year, what a year for German tennishttps://t.co/WLqL1JO4um
— abbiemc (@abbiemc) February 8, 2024
You know what other tennis related event will take place in Berlin, Zverev ‘s domestic abuse trial during June and Julyhttps://t.co/qTSFWI0k0Y
— Dany (@cheesy_Fritters) February 8, 2024
Zverev’s Berlin itinerary for 2024
May: Domestic abuse criminal trial
September: Star attraction at Laver Cup https://t.co/hReT7cJQU3— Will (@WillBeckman_) February 8, 2024
A section of fans said they wanted to attend the Laver Cup but will be staying away now since Zverev is playing.
Boycotting laver cup this year as expected
— Ella ❤️ | Notoriously deported with stolen tweets (@tennis_poetry) February 8, 2024
to think i’d kinda wanted to go since it’s in Berlin… https://t.co/bHewArb5XN
— andrea (@prettbesce) February 8, 2024
You have added @AlexZverev. There goes my plan to attend this year. As a female I will not support an event that supports players with DV allegations against them.
— MariaCh7 (@ch7_maria) February 8, 2024
you are disgusting for putting zverev there. i was thinking of attending but now i won’t even watch it. fuck you for not caring about domestic abuse.
— (@agnes_kozma) February 8, 2024
I wanted to attend Laver Cup but now I won’t because I don’t want my money to go into the pockets of a domestic abuser. pic.twitter.com/CnASJQ7xbB
— Daisy | Janek & Jannik AO (@followdaisy) February 8, 2024
The Laver Cup will begin on September 20, 2024, after the US Open. Remaining players for the Bjorn Borg-led Team Europe will be announced soon. Team World, captained by John McEnroe, has not revealed any participant yet.
Alexander Zverev has glorious Laver Cup record; Daniil Medvedev and Carlos Alcaraz pale in comparison
Alexander Zverev is arguably the most successful player in the Laver Cup 2024’s short history. He missed the last two editions, due to injury in 2022 and low ranking in 2023. Regardless, he holds a bunch of records.
For starters, he has won the tournament four times, more than anyone else. He is also tied with Roger Federer, Nick Kyrgios, John Isner, Frances Tiafoe, and Jack Sock for most tournament appearances, with four each. Bar Tiafoe, who could feature for Team World in 2024, the World No.6 will leave everyone behind with his 2024 participation.
Additionally, he is also level with Federer for most singles matches won (six). With a W/L of 8-3 across singles and doubles, his win percentage of 73% is the highest among players with at least five matches. If Zverev does play the 2024 Laver Cup, he will likely improve upon his records and pull ahead of others.
Daniil Medvedev, meanwhile, has featured in only one edition. He only played one singles tie in 2021 and won. Carlos Alcaraz will be making his Laver Cup debut.
