Alexander Zverev proves Roger Federer right at Laver Cup after Swiss’ blunt criticism
Alexander Zverev suffered another defeat to Taylor Fritz.
Alexander Zverev proved Roger Federer right after losing to Taylor Fritz at the Laver Cup.
It was a rematch of their recent US Open quarter-final, where the American won in four sets.
Earlier this week, Federer claimed Zverev lost because he wasn’t playing “offensively” in that match – something the German agreed with. And ahead of Saturday’s grudge match, the 20-time Grand Slam champion tipped Fritz to win again.
“I think Fritz is going to get Zverev maybe again,” Federer said ahead of day two of the Laver Cup before making similar observations about his game.
“Unless Zverev is going to understand what he did wrong at the US Open, he was way too passive. But I think Zverev will adjust, it will go to a super-breaker, but I think the confidence of Fritz is going to carry him through.”
Federer sat front and centre in the stands to watch the match. And he ended up being half right – Fritz came out on top but he didn’t need the super tiebreak to do it, getting the job done 6-4 7-5.
It means Team World takes a 6-4 lead over Team Europe, with Fritz earning two points for his squad thanks to his victory. The world No. 7 has been Zverev’s bogey player in the big matches this year.
As well as his victories at the Laver Cup and US Open, he came from two sets down to beat the German at Wimbledon. Zverev’s only win over Fritz in 2024 came on the clay courts at the Italian Open.
The 27-year-old has been in agreement with Federer over his recent criticisms. But he couldn’t take the retired Swiss star’s advice on board in Saturday’s match.
Earlier this week, Federer said: “To win a Grand Slam, you have to play far more offensively. The title doesn’t just come to you.
“When I watch him play, I see someone who plays far too passively, far too defensively in the decisive moments. Against the best players in the world you have to take the initiative and play offensively. He didn’t do that against Fritz.”
But Zverev didn’t bemoan the 43-year-old for his opinion. “That’s nothing I don’t know,” he confessed. “It’s absolutely clear to me that I didn’t play the way I wanted to play. That was a terrible game from me. That’s why it’s completely okay what Roger said.”
