"I really think some of these guys have a great future in tennis" - Team Europe Captain Yannick Noah quick to praise players despite Laver Cup disappointment

It was a disappointing end to Team Europe's Laver Cup tournament, as they lost their title to Team World after they were defeated 15-9.

The holders kicked off the event with flying colours, going 3-1 up on day one. However, they went on to lose all four of their matches on day two, trailing their opponents 9-3. It would take an unprecedented comeback to clinch the title, and despite having the world number one and reigning US Open champion Carlos Alcaraz on their team, he could not inspire a comeback, with Alexander Zverev losing to Taylor Fritz in the final tie.

In the press conference after the defeat, Team Captain Yannick Noah stated that it was a 'great experience' to Captain Team Europe for the first time, as he already has his sights on next year's event.

"Well, it was a wonderful week, a great experience for me personally," he said. "I got to meet some wonderful people and compete. Of course, we wanted to come out winners, but we lost against the better team. They played great. Most of all, I think we represented the Laver Cup the best we could. It was a great level of tennis. I look forward to next year — and I have one year to become a better captain."

When asked what he had learned from the experience, the Frenchman said: "I really think some of these guys have a great future in tennis. Most of all, it was great to share quality time with Tim. They called me the captain, but we were actually both captains. It was great to be with him professionally. Our DNA is tennis — we love tennis — and to be able to share that with him was really fun.

"I learned a lot. Watching matches on TV is one thing, but being close to these guys and seeing how they prepare is another. They’re very professional. Before matches, with their teams, I got to meet most of them. It’s not the way it used to be in my days. Even though I coached a few years ago in Davis Cup, now we’re talking about the very top players. To be close to them and see how they live and work was wonderful."

Noah would also receive some praise from his players, most notably Casper Ruud, who gave an insight into what it was like to be captained not just by Noah, but also Vice-Captain Tim Henman.

"Definitely. Jannik is from one generation, Tim from another, and the seven of us from an even younger one," the Norwegian said. "From Jakob, the youngest, up to Jannik, you basically have 16 sets of eyes looking at your game for a weekend. I enjoyed watching from the sidelines, because we don’t often get that chance at tournaments.

"I tried to learn from our opponents and from my teammates. Jannik gave us some fun insights too — he said in the locker room that happiness is the key to success, and whatever you do, do it with happiness. That’s typically when you play your best. I think that’s something all of us can take with us as we head to Asia for the next tournaments."

Before the event, there were question marks surrounding Alcaraz, with many wondering whether he would feature in this years Laver Cup with his schedule being so packed. Despite this, he prioritised playing in this event and representing Team Europe, specifically picking out the team aspect as a highlight when he is usually on the other side of the court from them.

"That’s the first reason, I love the Laver Cup — because I have the chance to be in a team with players that during the year I’m usually battling against," he said. "At tournaments we’re on our own, with our own teams, so we don’t really get to know each other. Here, I got to know them off the court, which is great. I could see how they do things, how they approach matches, and I could be there to support them as well.

"I love team events, and I think they bring an energy we’re not used to having during the year. For me, it’s a great experience — that’s why I love the Laver Cup."

The schedule had started to catch up to the Spaniard. He had previously played in and won the Cincinnati Open and the US Open, which is a lot of physically draining matches. Despite this, he revealed that he would have battled through the fatigue to play again if needed.

"Last night was tough. Normally, when you lose in a tournament, you’re out. But here, if you lose, you still have another chance to help the team," he said. "Especially on the last day when the matches are worth three points, I had to be ready. I tried to forget last night, take the positives, and improve on what I did wrong. Today I played great in both singles and doubles. And yes, if it had gone to a tie, I was ready to play the doubles again. The team was still discussing who would play, but if they needed me, I was ready."

Unfortunately for Team Europe, they would not have the chance to play another match after Zverev was defied by Fritz, who clinched the title. A win from the German would have forced a deciding doubles match, but he could not keep on par with the American.

"Taylor has a massive game. When he’s on, he’s really on — he can hurt anybody and compete with anybody," Zverev said. "He’s a difficult player for sure. I tried my best today. I was close to winning the second set, then in the tiebreak I really liked my chances. Unfortunately, it wasn’t meant to be. As for my back, after the US Open I didn’t play for two weeks. I had two injections, and so far it’s holding up. I hope it continues being good."