“Why do I always lose?”: Andre Agassi takes playful shot at Alexander Zverev after Laver Cup triumph

Sunday, 27 September 2026 at 22:30

Alexander Zverev’s extraordinary 2026 season earned him plenty of praise from Andre Agassi, but the Team World captain could not resist reminding the German of the days when his press conferences sounded very different. During the Laver Cup awards ceremony at London’s O2 Arena, Agassi congratulated Zverev on his breakthrough Grand Slam season before delivering a joke that had the German and the crowd laughing.

Zverev had just secured the decisive point for Team Europe, beating Learner Tien 7-6[3], 6-3 to seal a sixth Laver Cup title for the continent. Europe had taken control of the final day earlier when Flavio Cobolli and Jakub Mensik defeated Alex de Minaur and Taylor Fritz 7-5, 6-3, leaving Zverev with the first opportunity to close out the tie.

The victory completed a remarkable year for the world No. 2, who finally broke through at Grand Slam level by winning both the French Open and US Open. After years of coming close, Zverev entered 2026 without a major title and leaves the season with two, as well as another Laver Cup triumph to add to his record at the team event.

Agassi, however, chose to focus on the more familiar version of Zverev that tennis fans had heard in the past. His comments were clearly delivered in jest, with Zverev laughing along as the Team World captain revisited some of the German’s more frustrated moments.

Agassi reminds Zverev of his old press conferences

Agassi began by congratulating Zverev and acknowledging just how significant his first Grand Slam title had been after such a long wait.

“I mean, each and every one of you, congratulations, Sasha, on the crazy year. Seeing you win for the first time, I know how important that was to you. It was important to me too, because, you know, I could start listening to your press conferences again,” Agassi said.

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The 56-year-old then launched into an exaggerated impression of Zverev’s former complaints about his inability to win a major, referencing the German’s ranking and his repeated frustration after big defeats.

"Why do I always lose? Why do I always… Why am I the third-best in the world? I suck, I mean…" The joke drew laughter from the O2 Arena, but Agassi was not finished. “But then you win, and then it’s like, ‘I’m only a one-Slam champion. I’ve got to do it again!’”

Zverev laughed off the comments before joining his European teammates on stage to lift the Laver Cup trophy. The moment provided a light-hearted ending to a tournament in which the German had once again played a central role.

His singles victory over Tien was particularly significant. Zverev had lost to de Minaur on Saturday despite leading 5-3 in the second set and holding a match point, but he recovered to contribute in doubles before returning on Sunday to finish the job for Europe.

"I'm third best in the world, I suck..."

Never change, Andre Agassi 😂 pic.twitter.com/76QX4S53Nl
— TNT Sports (@tntsports) September 27, 2026

Zverev seals another European triumph

Europe had entered the final day leading 7-5, needing two of the remaining four matches to retain the trophy. Cobolli and Mensik immediately extended that advantage to 10-5 before Zverev completed the victory in the next match.

His win meant the scheduled Alcaraz-de Minaur and Rafael Jodar-Fritz matches were no longer required. Zverev therefore became the player to deliver the decisive point, adding another memorable moment to his long Laver Cup record.

Before the trophy presentation, Agassi also turned his attention to Carlos Alcaraz, celebrating the Spaniard’s return after a four-month injury absence that caused him to miss Roland Garros and Wimbledon.

“How great is it to have Carlito back in the house? My man! We missed you! The game really missed you,” Agassi said.

Alcaraz did not need to play on Sunday after Zverev sealed the title. The Spaniard had already beaten Fritz on Saturday and contributed to Europe’s doubles victory alongside Mensik on Friday.

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For Zverev, the tournament ended another significant chapter in a season that has transformed his career. His two Grand Slam titles removed one of the biggest unanswered questions surrounding his career, while his decisive Laver Cup victory added another team success to a record that now includes participation in all six of Europe’s winning editions.

“Winning as a team, there is no better feeling in sports,” Zverev said afterwards. “We don’t have enough of it in tennis, being among these great players that I normally see across the net every week, and playing alongside two great captains, Yannick [Noah] and Tim [Henman]. It’s just fun being out here.”

Europe ultimately won the ninth edition 13-5, reclaiming the trophy after Team World’s victory in San Francisco last year. For Zverev, it was the perfect final chapter to a season that Agassi could only describe as a “crazy year” — even if the German’s press conferences are apparently safe from his old complaints for now.

Cristhián AvilaTennis Journalist

Cristhián Ávila is a tennis journalist based in Santiago, Chile, and has been part of the TennisUpToDate team since early 2023. He covers the ATP and WTA Tours as well as all four Grand Slams, producing breaking news, match reports, analysis, and regular liveblogs from major tournaments.

His reporting combines statistical analysis with clear explanation, helping readers understand tactical developments, player form, and broader storylines across the tour. Working fluently in both Spanish and English, Cristhián collaborates with an international editorial team and contributes to comprehensive global coverage. As part of his work, he has conducted interviews and media interactions with leading figures in the sport, including Caroline Wozniacki and John McEnroe.

In his journalism, Cristhián places strong emphasis on careful sourcing, editorial accuracy, and updating articles promptly when new, verified information becomes available. His coverage is grounded in research, context, and direct engagement with professional tennis.

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