“You’ve had a four-month vacation. I played 98 matches since you were gone" - Alexander Zverev questions 'burn out' claims made by Alcaraz following Laver Cup campaign

Team Europe are back on the top step when it comes to the Laver Cup. The team, led by Carlos Alcaraz and Alexander Zverev, regained their title after defeating Team World 13-5 with a flurry on days two and three, getting them over the line. The duo were headlining the press conference afterwards, with them having disagreements on the fatigue from the tournament.

Team Europe held a 3-1 lead after the opening day, but two matches into day two were 3-5 down. This was confirmed after Zverev was pegged back by Alex de Minaur, who managed to complete a terrific turnaround from a set and break down.

Alcaraz saved match points against Fritz to get back level before the German returned to the court to compete in the doubles alongside Casper Ruud, getting his first win of the 2026 edition under his belt.

After Flavio Cobolli and Jakub Mensik collected three points from their doubles triumph, it was up to Zverev to get the job done. He would face off against Learner Tien, and it would be a thrilling match. The American missed a set point in the first set before Zverev took full control, seeing it out in straight sets to confirm the Laver Cup was heading back to Europe.

For Alcaraz and Zverev, the Laver Cup came at contrasting times. Zverev had just won the US Open, his second Grand Slam triumph of the year, while continuing his brilliant 2026 campaign. Alcaraz's venture at Flushign Meadows was his first tennis tournament in over four months due to a wrist injury. He made it to the quarter-finals before bowing out against Ben Shelton.

He made the trip to London with a lot less tennis played than Zverev, who had been very busy in 2026. For the seven-time Grand Slam champion, he was satisfied with his performances and progress made at the O2 ahead of the Asian swing.

“It was great to be back on Team Europe in the Laver Cup and after being out for five months, I need matches on my back to get a good rhythm again and see how my body is going to react,” Alcaraz said.

“It was a really intense weekend. Playing doubles and then having to wake up early without the proper amount of hours of sleep and perform at my best again. I’m really happy that I was able to play a couple of matches and I’m really happy with my level here. Winning the Laver Cup with these guys is always special. I was loving the feeling of supporting these guys when they were playing from the bench. It’s a unique format and I just love it.”

A journalist highlighted an earlier point Alcaraz made about feeling 'burnt-out' following the tournament which got Zverev to chirp in. “You feel burnt out?” he questioned. “You’ve had a four-month vacation. I played 98 matches since you were gone!”

Alcaraaz backed up his comments with the fact that he had not played much as of late, meaning his body is not 100% ready. “I am using this tournament to bring my joy back,” he stated. “Every time I step on the court I just love it. Doing it with these guys in a team event is so different than playing for yourself. I just love to be part of this. It helps me a lot for the next tournament.”

Both players will now make the trip over to Asia, but to compete in different ATP 500 events. Alcaraz will look to defend his title at the Japan Open, while Zverev is the favourite to clinch glory in the China Open after Jannik Sinner withdrew from the event with his knee problem still affecting him.