Tennis – Zverev loses to arch-rival Fritz at the Laver Cup – Sport

Berlin (dpa) – Alexander Zverev was once again unable to help Team Europe and also lost his second match at the Laver Cup in Berlin. As was the case when he was knocked out in the quarter-finals at the US Open a few weeks ago, the world number two had to admit defeat to the American Taylor Fritz with 4:6, 5:7. On the opening day, the German had lost the doubles match alongside the Spaniard Carlos Alcaraz.

For Zverev, it was the third defeat in the series against Fritz. The party initially developed into a copy of the duel in New York. Zverev, who was far too passive, made numerous simple mistakes.

In the second set, the Hamburg player played more courageously and took Fritz’s serve for the first time. But Zverev was visibly exhausted, especially after the long rallies, and called the doctor. His loud coughing could be heard throughout the entire arena.

Tiafoe and Alcaraz win

In the team competition, which is based on the Ryder Cup in golf, Team Europe will face a world selection. To win, a team must score 13 points, with games won on the first day counting for one point, two points on Saturday and three points on Sunday. After seven of twelve games played, the world selection is leading 6:4.

In the afternoon, the American Frances Tiafoe beat the Russian Daniil Medvedev 3:6, 6:4 and 10:5 to celebrate a victory for Team World. Alcaraz then easily won 6:4, 6:4 against Tiafoe’s compatriot Ben Shelton.

As on the opening day, there were plenty of celebrities among the 13,500 spectators in the sold-out Uber Arena. In addition to former basketball player Dirk Nowitzki, Boris Becker and the editor-in-chief of the fashion magazine Vogue, Anna Wintour, were in the stands.

© dpa-infocom, dpa:240921-930-239166/2