The Laver Cup 2025 promises another thrilling showdown as Team Europe and Team World bring some of their brightest talents to the court. Alexander Zverev will face Alex de Minaur, and Holger Rune will take on Francisco Cerundolo in two highly anticipated singles clashes.
Each player arrives in San Francisco after eventful seasons: Zverev celebrated a milestone with his third Munich crown and a strong run at Roland Garros, while de Minaur captured the Washington title and reached yet another US Open quarterfinal. Rune, meanwhile, has been one of the year’s standout performers with his Barcelona triumph and Indian Wells final, and Cerundolo has shown flashes of his clay-court brilliance despite some inconsistency in the Slams.
Can Zverev Stay on Top of De Minaur, and Will Rune or Cerundolo Take the Edge?
Regarding Alexander Zverev vs. Alex de Minaur, they have met 10 times in ATP / official tour-level matches, with Zverev leading the head-to-head 8-2. Their most recent encounter was at the 2024 French Open quarterfinals, where Zverev beat de Minaur 6-4, 7-6(5), 6-4.
As for Holger Rune vs. Francisco Cerundolo, they have played only once on the main tour before this Laver Cup match, with Rune winning that meeting. Their prior match was at Roland Garros 2023, a fifth-set thriller which Rune won 7-6(3), 3-6, 6-4, 1-6, 7-6(10).
Will Zverev’s Power Outlast De Minaur’s Speed, and Can Rune Outsmart Cerundolo on Clay?
Zverev has shown strong hard-court form in 2025. For example, his US Open opener marked his 20th tour-level hard-court win this year. He also tends to win a high percentage of his first-serve points and holds serve well in those matches. He didn’t face a break point in his match against Giron on grass and won 82% of first-serve points. Although that was on grass, it reflects his ability to serve consistently under pressure.
De Minaur, on his side, has moderate serve numbers in general: his 1st-serve percentage isn’t extremely high, but he wins a decent share of 1st and 2nd serve points and is solid in saving break-points. From his ATP stats page, his career/overall serve includes ~58% first serves in, and about 71% win rate on 1st serve, ~55% on 2nd serve. The match likely depends on whether Zverev’s big serves (first serve effectiveness) can outbalance De Minaur’s consistency and return strength.
Prediction: Zverev to win in three sets
For the second match in the day session, Rune is more aggressive, with heavier groundstrokes and a more offensive mindset; Cerundolo tends to be more consistent, especially on slower surfaces, with good defense and the ability to outlast opponents in long rallies. Cerundolo’s 2025 wins are decisive (32-19 overall).
On serve, Cerundolo achieved ~68% on 1st serve points won, had amassed 177 aces in 2025, and his service games won rate is about 76%. That reflects a good service foundation. But crucially, many of his big wins are on clay; on hard courts, his movement and shot-making under pressure may be tested more.
Prediction: Rune to win in straight sets
