Carlos Alcaraz has been announced as the first member of Team Europe for next year’s Laver Cup. The world No. 1 will represent the European squad for the third year running as the Ryder Cup-style tournament returns to London’s O2 Arena. The announcement comes just 63 minutes after Alcaraz was forced to withdraw from this week’s Davis Cup Finals, where he was expected to represent Spain.
The “heartbroken” six-time Major winner took to social media to confirm that he would not be able to play for his country this week. “I’m absolutely gutted to announce that I’m not going to be able to play with Spain in the Davis Cup in Bologna…” he wrote.
“I have an edema in the hamstring of my right leg, and the medical recommendation is not to compete. I’ve always said that playing for Spain is the greatest thing there is, and I was so excited to be able to help fight for the Salad Bowl. I’m heading home feeling heartbroken…”
Laver Cup organisers announced that Alcaraz and Taylor Fritz would represent Team Europe and Team World respectively at the 2026 edition of the tournament just over an hour after the Spanish star shared his Davis Cup statement.
Ahead of his third appearance at the Laver Cup, Alcaraz said: “To play at The O2 in London is going to be amazing. Having the chance to be in a team with players that normally I’m fighting against during the year is really unique and what makes me keep wanting to play Laver Cup every year. Hopefully we’ll have the crowd behind us and I’m really motivated to help Team Europe win the Laver Cup back.”
Alcaraz helped Team Europe lift the trophy on his debut in 2024, but they lost to Team World when he competed again this year. Europe captain Yannick Noah added: “Carlos brings unique talent, passion and confidence that lifts everyone around him. He is committed to his teammates and has an intense desire to win. I am excited to have him back.”
World No. 6 Fritz will return to the competition for the sixth time in his career. He said: “Laver Cup is such an exciting week for me. I love the team atmosphere, the energy you get playing these matches, when you’re playing for more than yourself is incredible. I’m excited to spend another week with Team World and we’ll be there with the goal to win.”
The Laver Cup is typically held in cities from Europe and the rest of the World in alternating years. This is the first time the team event, co-created by Roger Federer, is returning to a venue where it has already been staged.
Federer retired from professional tennis during the 2022 Laver Cup at London’s O2 Arena after playing a doubles match alongside Rafael Nadal. Novak Djokovic and Andy Murray also represented Team Europe that year.
The O2 Arena also hosted the ATP Finals from 2009 to 2020, before the season-ending championships moved to Turin. Alcaraz has only competed in the year-end Finals in Italy. He finished runner-up to Jannik Sinner at this year’s edition.