German tennis player Alexander Zverev sees the Laver Cup as much more than an exhibition tournament and believes it is similar to golf's Ryder Cup.
"It is not a show event for me, it is much bigger," Zverev told dpa. "It is a bit like the Ryder Cup. There is quite a lot at stake."
Like the Ryder Cup between Europe and the United States, the Laver Cup is held over three days. It brings together the six best players from Europe and the rest of the world.
Co-founded by former great Roger Federer, the Laver Cup comes to Germany for the first time for its seventh edition this year, September 20-22 in Berlin.
Zverev will be among the six European players again, along with Wimbledon champion Carlos Alcaraz of Spain and Russian former US Open champion Daniil Medvedev.
"When you see the stadiums we've already played in, the players we've played with and the atmosphere - it really is a highlight," world number six Zverev said.
The teams are captained by icons Björn Borg (Team Europe) and John McEnroe (Team World).
Zverev said there was a rivalry but also pride at stake in an event Europe won the first four years before Team World dominated the last two editions.
"When you're in a team with such great tennis players and such great athletes you don't want to let them down. You want to be there for each other - especially when Björn Borg is sitting on your bench as captain," Zverev said.