Alex de Minaur delivered one of the standout performances on the second day of the Laver Cup in San Francisco. The Aussie ousted world no. 3 Alexander Zverev 6-1, 6-4 in an hour and 29 minutes.
Thus, he beat the German for the third time in a career, the first since the beginning of 2024. De Minaur provided a mix of speed, precision and clever tactics. The Aussie imposed his slice, a shot that proved to be a nightmare for the better-ranked opponent.
Sitting courtside, Roger Federer - widely regarded as one of the masters of slices - had the perfect view of Alex's tactical brilliance. After the match, de Minaur lightheartedly acknowledged the inspiration, joking that Federer had already written the playbook on the slice, and he just read it!
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The moment captured the spirit of the Laver Cup - generations blending, with young players finding new ways to learn from the legends who enjoy watching them.
For Alex, the performance was about more than humor. His relentless speed and creativity kept him in control from start to finish, outplaying world no. 3 on serve and return.
Thus, the Aussie secured a vital point for Team World that boosted his teammates en route to a perfect 4-0 day and a massive lead over Team Europe ahead of Sunday's conclusion.
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Under Federer's watchful eye, the slice became a weapon sharp enough to cut through one of the toughest opponents. Roger acknowledged it from the stands, and Alex new how to slice a joke about it and honor the 20-time Major winner.
Zverev served at 84% and gained nothing, struggling behind the first serve big time and getting broken four times. De Minaur tamed his strokes nicely and suffered one break to control the scoreboard.
The lower-ranked player made a flying start and clinched the opener 6-1 in 33 minutes with a double break. Alexander saved a break point at 1-1 in the second set. However, he missed some routine shots in the seventh game and fell behind.
He pulled the break back in game eight, only to spray a backhand error in the next one and experience another break. Alex held at 5-4 to seal the deal and celebrate a notable victory.
