Two tennis superstars who have come within touching distance of the US Open title will now play for a team trophy on the opposite United States coast.
2020 US Open runner-up Alexander Zverev and 2023 semifinalist Ben Shelton will join Team Europe and Team World, respectively, at this year’s Laver Cup, to be held at the iconic Chase Center in San Francisco from Sept. 19-21. Both players are currently at career-high ATP rankings, with Zverev at world No. 2 and Shelton at No. 13.
With top-level pro men’s tennis returning to the Bay Area for the first time in over a decade, Laver Cup San Francisco promises an unforgettable showdown with an already star-studded lineup. Zverev joins World No. 3 Carlos Alcaraz on Team Europe’s early roster, while Shelton teams with fellow American and world No. 4 Taylor Fritz, last year’s US Open finalist, for Team World.
Zverev is coming off a run to his third Grand Slam final at the 2025 Australian Open. The 2021 Olympic gold medalist is a seasoned Laver Cup competitor, having been part of the winning side each of the five previous times he has participated in Laver Cup competition: in Prague (2017), Chicago (2018), Geneva (2019), Boston (2021) and Berlin (2024).
“I love being part of the Laver Cup. Being teammates with some of the greatest players in the world is very special,” said Zverev. “I’m also really looking forward to San Francisco this year. It is super exciting to be playing at the home of the Golden State Warriors; it will be so cool to play in their arena and experience the atmosphere.”
Team Europe captain Yannick Noah is delighted to have secured Zverev’s participation: “Sascha is one of the most consistent and fearless competitors on tour and his experience, leadership and ability to rise to the occasion will be invaluable to us,” said the first-year captain, who will match wits with Team World's Andre Agassi on the sidelines. “We know how tough Team World will be, especially with the home crowd, but with Sascha and Carlos on our side, we’ll be ready for the challenge.”
Shelton, one of the sport’s fastest-rising stars, has excelled in team competitions since his college days with the Florida Gators. The former NCAA team and singles champion reached his second Grand Slam semifinal last month at the Aussie Open, matching his breakout 2023 run in New York. The 22-year-old will compete in his third Laver Cup under the leadership of new Team World captain Agassi, an eight-time Grand Slam champion.
“Laver Cup brings out the best in players—it’s high stakes, high intensity and full of drama,” said Agassi. “Ben is an explosive talent and thrives in this team environment. He’s had a strong start to the season, and I’m focused on building a team that will be ready to take on Europe in September!”
“Nothing compares to Laver Cup,” added Shelton, who clinched the 2023 Laver Cup title with a doubles victory alongside Frances Tiafoe. “It’s electric. The team format, the excitement, the fans – it’s next level. I’m really excited to be playing my third Laver Cup and first in front of an American crowd. I think it’ll be a pretty cool atmosphere in San Francisco and we are pumped and super motivated to win back the Laver Cup!”
Laver Cup full-tournament ticket packages go on sale on Feb. 28. For further updates on player announcements, event updates and ticket presales, fans are encouraged to register as a ‘Laver Cup Insider’ at lavercup.com.
