"Alexander Zverev creating new rivals to keep himself far from a Slam": Fans joke as Taylor Fritz beats German for 3rd straight time at Laver Cup 2024
Taylor Fritz and Alexander Zverev faced off on the tennis court for the third time in as many months at the 2024 Laver Cup. The American had come into the contest after beating the German in their two previous meetings and continued his winning streak in Berlin.
Zverev and Fritz kicked-off the night session on day 2 of the 2024 Laver Cup, with Team World and Team Europe tied at 4-4. Both men began their match with strong a serving display and held their serves until Fritz took advantage of Zverev's minor dip at 5-4 to clinch a break-to-love and earn the first set.
An early break of Fritz's serve helped Zverev take the advantage in the second set, but the American staged a comeback to break the German back twice and win the match in straight sets 6-4, 7-5.
Taylor Fritz had previously defeated Alexander Zverev in the fourth round of the 2024 Wimbledon, 4-6, 6-7(4), 6-4, 7-6(3), 6-3, and the quarterfinals of the 2024 US Open, 7-6(2), 3-6, 6-4, 7-6(3). Tennis fans were quick to quip about Fritz beating Zverev again, with one fan saying the German is creating new rivals just to keep himself from winning a Grand Slam title.
"Zverev creating new rivals to keep himself far from a Slam lol," a fan joked.
"Fritz owns Zverev so hard and it’s so fun to see," said another fan.
"Safe to say Fritz is a better player than Zverev," a fan wrote.
A fan went as far as to suggest that the German should retire, and one made a sharp comment that Fritz has now beaten Zverev more times than domestic abuse allegations against him. Alexander Zverev has faced abuse allegations from two former partners.
"Zverev should retire, he's finished and they make a big deal out of that kind of thing here at Laver Cup," a fan commented.
"Zverev becoming his pigeon this year is a cute development," a fan wrote on X.
"Taylor beats Abuserev for the third time this year. That’s one more time than Zverev has been accused of domestic violence," a fan said.
A fan also pointed out that Zverev finds his best form against the likes of Jannik Sinner and Carlos Alcaraz but can't find a way past Fritz.
A fan posted on X, "Zverev plays the tennis of his life when it is either Sinner or Alcaraz on the other side of the net. And then flops against players like Fritz."
"And yes again he’s saving tennis. We thank you for your service," another fan commented.
Taylor Fritz's win over Alexander Zverev helps Team World extend lead over Team Europe at Laver Cup 2024
Team World has gained a substantial lead over Team Europe at the end of day 2 at the 2024 Laver Cup. After day 1, the two teams were tied at 2-2. Day 2 began with Frances Tiafoe beating Daniil Medvedev 6-3, 4-6, 10-5 and giving Team World a 4-2 edge.
The lead was neutralized by Carlos Alcaraz in the second singles tie of the day. The Spaniard, making his singles debut at the tournament, bettered Ben Shelton 6-4, 6-4. Team World again took the lead thanks to Taylor Fritz's win over Alexander Zverev.
The lead extended to 8-4 after Shelton and Alejandro Tabilo defeated Casper Ruud and Stefanos Tsitsipas 6-1, 6-2 in the final match of the day. Team World is now well poised to win its third consecutive Laver Cup. Alcaraz-Ruud and Shelton-Tiafoe will kick-off the last day of the tournament with some doubles action. They will be followed by Medvedev vs. Shelton, Zverev vs. Tiafoe, and Alcaraz vs. Fritz.