LAVER CUP Press Release, August 13, 2018
World No.4 Alexander Zverev, [5] Grigor Dimitrov and [11] David Goffin will join Team Europe at the Laver Cup in Chicago this September.
The impressive trio will join Grand Slam superstars world No.2 Roger Federerand [10] Novak Djokovic as Laver Cup defending champions at the tournament.
Team Europe Captain, the legendary Björn Borg, is delighted to have five players in the world’s top 11 in his line-up. Borg also has one final captain’s pick which will be announced in New York next week.
At just 21 years of age Zverev is a rising star of the men’s game. He boasts an impressive nine titles, three in 2018 alone, most recently lifting the trophy in Washington earlier this month.
“I enjoyed being part of the Laver Cup in Prague last year and I am looking forward to joining the team again, this time in Chicago, to defend our title with some great teammates,” Zverev said.
“It’s fantastic to have the chance to be teammates, supporting each other instead of competing against each other. This is a fun format and I’m excited to be playing the Laver Cup again.”
Dimitrov has one of the most classic games on the men’s tour, complete with a beautiful one-handed backhand that has helped him to victory in eight ATP events.
“I can’t wait to join all these great players to take on Team World in the Laver Cup in Chicago,” Dimitrov said.
“It’s such an honor to be sharing the court with this incredible group of players, and to have the chance to play on the same team with them.
“I’m excited to visit Chicago – it’s such a great sports city and I’m sure there will be a lot of support, even though we don’t have the home advantage this year.
“The Laver Cup is a unique event and I’m looking forward to doing my best to help Team Europe defend the title in year two.”
Defensive baseliner Goffin is renowned for his accurate and powerful groundstrokes and excellent court movement. The world No.11 is looking forward to making his Laver Cup debut.
“It’s so exciting to play in this incredible tournament and to be on the same team as champions like Roger and Novak. It will be a privilege to fight with both of them, along with Grigor and Sascha, to defend the title for Team Europe. I can’t wait,” Goffin said.
Team Europe Captain Borg is delighted with the addition of this trio of top players and is convinced he has the line-up to win in Chicago.
Borg led Team Europe to a narrow victory over Team World at the inaugural Laver Cup in Prague last year, with Roger Federer overcoming Nick Kyrgios in a thrilling final match.
“I’m delighted to welcome Sascha, Grigor and David to Team Europe. All three players have incredible games and I’ve admired them as players for a long time,” Borg said.
“Having them join Roger and Novak gives us a strong team with lots of options, combinations and flexibility. These players are all tough competitors, great fighters and have tremendous spirit. Team Europe is shaping up nicely and I’m expecting an exciting competition.”
The second edition of the Laver Cup will take place at the United Center, Chicago, from September 21-23, 2018. The inaugural event was in Prague in September 2017. Team Europe won the event 15-9.
Team World is captained by John McEnroe who has already named world No.3 Juan Martin del Potro, [6] Kevin Anderson, [9] John Isner, [12] Diego Schwartzman and [18] Nick Kyrgios, with the final captain’s pick to be announced in New York next week.
