Laver Cup 2026: Europe and World face off in London, experts favor Zverev-led team
The ninth edition of the Laver Cup runs September 25-27 in London between Team Europe and Team World, with experts largely tipping Team Europe led by Alexander Zverev and Carlos Alcaraz to win.
The event and its context
The ninth Laver Cup is being held in London from September 25 to 27 — a team tennis competition founded by Roger Federer as a tribute to Rod Laver. Six players representing Europe face six representing the rest of the world for a $1.5 million prize pool. The event is sanctioned by the ATP but does not award ranking points, according to GQ. In the all-time head-to-head, Team Europe currently leads 5-3, though Team World has won three of the last four editions, according to LaverCup.com.
Rosters and favorites
Team Europe's lineup includes Carlos Alcaraz, Alexander Zverev, Flavio Cobolli, Casper Ruud and Jakub Mensik, while Team World fields Taylor Fritz, Alexander Bublik, Alex de Minaur, Learner Tien and Rafael Jodar. A panel of experts polled by LaverCup.com — including former Team World captain John McEnroe, commentators Todd Woodbridge, Mary Joe Fernandez, Sam Querrey and others — largely predicted a Team Europe win, citing Zverev's form after winning two Grand Slam titles in 2026 and Alcaraz's return to full match rhythm. Zverev and Alcaraz were the most commonly named MVP picks, while Jodar and Tien were the top rookie-of-the-year contenders.
Federer's take on the world's best player
Speaking to Eurosport, Federer said several players could currently be considered the world's best. Jannik Sinner dominated the Masters series early in the year, winning in Indian Wells, Miami, Monte Carlo, Madrid and Rome, but has not played since winning Wimbledon in July due to a persistent knee tendon injury and is missing the Laver Cup. Federer noted Alcaraz could also be considered the best when at his peak form, as could Zverev, who won two of the four Grand Slams in 2026. Alcaraz himself said Zverev is "probably currently the best player in the world." Zverev won't make his tournament debut before Saturday, while Alcaraz opens play Friday in doubles alongside Mensik.
A fashion shoot ahead of play
Before competition began, players took part in a GQ style shoot at the Old Royal Naval College in Greenwich, wearing earth-toned suits from Brunello Cucinelli, Louis Vuitton and BOSS — worn respectively by Cobolli, Alcaraz, and Tien alongside Fritz and Jodar.
