What Alexander Zverev has been doing for Team Europe ahead of the Laver Cup as he steps up as ‘leader’

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Alexander Zverev is becoming a bit of a Laver Cup veteran as he buckles up for his fifth appearance at the event.

After a frustrating missed opportunity at the US Open, Alexander Zverev is preparing to shake off the angst and lead Team Europe out at the Laver Cup.

A five-time Laver Cup player, Zverev’s recent form, and more importantly Carlos Alcaraz and Novak Djokovic’s lack thereof, has gifted the German passage to the world number two spot.

The 26-year-old reached the final of the French Open in June and led by two sets to one before Laver Cup debutant Alcaraz forged a thrilling comeback.

With more pedigree than every other player competing, the Berlin event has seen homeboy Zverev take his opportunity to take charge of the team.

Sam Smith reveals what Alexander Zverev has been doing as Team Europe’s ‘leader’

As the highest ranked and most experienced, Zverev has the weight of a dynamic ‘Team Europe’ on his shoulders.

Having lost the last two, a far stronger contingent is hoping to bounce back and deal departing Team World captain John McEnroe a ruthless blow.

Regular Wimbledon pundit Sam Smith outlined what she’s heard Zverev has been getting up to, as a means of energizing the team.

“You have enormous pride in Team Europe and to have Sacha Zverev in Germany, I hear that he has spent quite a lot of time researching the best restaurants for the guys to go out and fun things they want to do,” she told The AO Show.

Having won every event he’s been a part of, Smith added: “I think he will really step up as a leader for Team Europe.”

What is Alexander Zverev’s Laver Cup record like?

Having first appeared at the inaugural 2017 event in Prague, Zverev has since competed in 11 matches total.

Split up between singles and doubles, the German has won six of his seven singles matches, losing only to John Isner in 2019.

Currently level with Roger Federer’s six singles wins, Zverev can become the player with the most individual wins at the event this year.

With his opening outing this year a doubles match partnering Alcaraz, Zverev will be hoping to edge ahead in his record, currently sat level on two wins and two losses.