Alexander Zverev completes Team Europe

Alexander Zverev will build on his stunning breakthrough season as the final member for Team Europe at the inaugural Laver Cup.

It follows the 20-year-old’s spectacular entry into the world’s top 10 after he claimed five career titles in 2017 – two of them ATP Masters 1000 events and the most recent with victory over Roger Federer in the Montreal final.

At world No.7, Zverev becomes the fifth top-10 player for Team Europe, joining Rafael Nadal, Roger Federer, Marin Cilic and Dominic Thiem. Former world No.4 Tomas Berdych, who is currently ranked No.19, will also represent Team Europe at the O₂ arena in Prague, Czech Republic from September 22-24 2017.

“I’m so excited and grateful for this opportunity,” said the German. “My idol when I was growing up was Roger Federer, so to even compete against him was already extremely special. Now to be on a team with him is almost surreal.

“Then on top of that you have Rafael Nadal and other big stars in the same team. It’s going to be an incredible time.”

Team Europe captain Björn Borg is elated that the fast-rising Zverev accepted the invitation to complete his star-studded team.

“This year, Alexander ‘Sascha’ Zverev has announced himself as a future Grand Slam champion and world No.1,” said Borg.

“He’s beaten the game’s biggest stars to win big tournaments in 2017 and being on the same side as Roger, Rafa and other top players will bring out his best again.

“I can’t wait to see this team come together in Prague. Tennis fans are in for a huge treat.”

With a big-serving style enhanced by extraordinary composure, Zverev has defeated many top names to amass a string of impressive milestones in 2017.

The first German man to win five titles in a season since Boris Becker in 1996, he was also the youngest player to triumph at the Montreal Masters event since Novak Djokovic in 2007.

And Djokovic himself was among Zverev’s victims as he lost to the rising star in the final of the Rome Masters event.

“I’ve had some great results already this year and the Laver Cup will be something completely new,” added Zverev. “It will be great to join such legends of the sport.”