Alexander Zverev has made a clear announcement to the Davis Cup on the fringes of the Laver Cup in Chicago: After the end of the ATP season, the German number one is not available.
There was no lack of drama with Alexander Zverev during the last two days at the Laver Cup in Chicago: While the German number one still played the role of the animated spectator with a direct connection to the box on Friday, Zverev beat John Isner on Saturday after a deflected match point in the short decision, which was played instead of a third set. Just like Kevin Anderson on the final day, which finally brought the Europeans victory.
In between, Zverev, alongside Roger Federer, almost managed to finish Jack Sock’s double series.
Team competitions are up to the Hamburg native, whether with the German national team or with a selection of the best European players. But not always and everywhere. And certainly not after the ATP finals in London.
“I’m not playing Davis Cup in November. That’s certainly not going to happen,” Zverev said during the Laver Cup weekend. “I love the Davis Cup. I love my homeland. I love my teammates. But if you schedule an additional event at the end of November, I won’t be attending.” He needs time for regeneration to be fit for the Australian Open.
Alexander Zverev is not the only top player who thinks so, but of course the ITF has not remained hidden. That’s why they’re working feverishly behind the scenes to host the final tournament with 18 nations in the second week after the US Open. However, this would mean that, at least in 2019, there would be direct competition with the Laver Cup.
The third edition of the match-up Europe vs. the rest of the tennis world is scheduled to take place in Geneva next year.