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De Minaur’s comeback ends Zverev streak as World leads

By Drooid · Sep 26, 2026, 10:57 PM UTC · How we work

Summary

De Minaur comeback

Team World took a 5-3 lead over Team Europe after Alex de Minaur’s comeback win.
De Minaur saved a match point and defeated Alexander Zverev 2-6, 7-6 (5), 11-9.
Zverev’s nine-match winning streak ended after his U.S. Open title and two Davis Cup wins.
Prize pool was $1,500,000, with each winning team member earning $250,000 at the O2 Arena in London.

Summary

Zverev Rejects Flirt Rumors

Some fans on X criticized Alcaraz for befriending Zverev, citing Zverev’s past domestic-abuse allegations.
Supportive users praised the duo’s camaraderie, noting Zverev helped Alcaraz style a man-bun at the O2 Arena.
Zverev called rumors about flirting with soccer player Trinity Rodman “idiots.”
Zverev’s girlfriend Sophia Thomalla marked their five-year anniversary with Instagram photos from the 2021 Laver Cup.
Zverev emphasized his loyalty to the Laver Cup, saying the tournament has always backed him.

History

Historical Context

The inaugural Laver Cup in 2017 pitted Team Europe against Team World, with Europe winning 15-9 at London’s O2 Arena. Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal each earned $250,000 from the $2.25 million prize pool, while the event attracted 15,000 spectators. Today's Laver Cup showdown mirrors that debut, as Alex de Minaur’s comeback over Alexander Zverev revived Team World’s challenge against Europe’s dominance. The 2017 financial model and star-player rivalries set a precedent, ensuring future editions award $250,000 per winner and fuel intense social media debates.

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De Minaur comeback

Team World took a 5-3 lead over Team Europe after Alex de Minaur’s comeback win.
De Minaur saved a match point and defeated Alexander Zverev 2-6, 7-6 (5), 11-9.
Zverev’s nine-match winning streak ended after his U.S. Open title and two Davis Cup wins.
Prize pool was $1,500,000, with each winning team member earning $250,000 at the O2 Arena in London.

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