De Minaur Surprises Zverev with Federer-influenced Strategy at Laver Cup
Teams are now tied 3-3 as the excitement builds!
September 20, 2025
Credit: Eakin Howard/Getty Images for Laver Cup
De Minaur Defeats Zverev in Straight Sets During an Intense Match in San Francisco
By ATP Staff
In a stunning turn of events, Alex de Minaur flipped the script in his Lexus ATP Head2Head series against Alexander Zverev during the Laver Cup on Saturday.
The Australian star triumphed over the No. 3 player in the PIF ATP Rankings with a score of 6-1, 6-4, leveling Team World and Team Europe at 3 points each. Francisco Cerundolo from Team World is set to face Team Europe’s Holger Rune to round off the day’s matches.
“I came out strong and was definitely in my rhythm,” De Minaur remarked. “I knew it would become tougher as the match progressed. Zverev is a fierce competitor who could easily turn the tide. But I’m really proud of how I managed key moments to secure this important victory for Team World.”
Before this match, Zverev held an 8-2 advantage in their rivalry, and both of De Minaur’s past wins required him to battle through three tough sets. However, in the San Francisco showdown, De Minaur adapted to the slow, low-bouncing conditions, implementing a new approach to his game.
Former World No. 1 Jim Courier highlighted De Minaur’s clever use of the backhand slice, reminiscent of the legendary Roger Federer, who watched from the stands.
“I don’t want to divulge too much,” De Minaur said with a smile. “But he authored the strategy; I merely followed the instructions.”
The 10-time ATP Tour champion effectively defended against three out of four break points he faced, while capitalizing on four of the seven break opportunities he created, as reported by Infosys ATP Stats.
