‘The most exciting new tournament we’ve seen in tennis for a very long time’ – This is how Roger Federer enthusiastically described the Laver Cup, which will launch this September.
The 18-time grand slam champion travelled to Prague on Monday to promote the new event alongside Tomas Berdych. It was a picture perfect scene for the tournament’s organisers with thousands turning up to see Federer in person as he engaged in a series of promotional activities, including playing tennis on a boat.
“I’m super excited about teaming up with some of my greatest rivals, like Rafa and Tomas. We’ve never had the chance to really sit on the sidelines and cheer each other on, and play doubles together, rather than facing each other on opposite sides of the net.” Said Federer.
“This will be a very different experience for the players and the fans, and it’s great we are playing the first Laver Cup here in the beautiful city of Prague.”
Named after Australian tennis icon Rod Laver, the Laver Cup is potrayed as a more extravagant Davis Cup. Similar to golf’s concept of the Ryder Cup, Europe will play against the rest of the world. Each team features four of the world’s best players based on their rankings plus two captain picks. This year the captains will be John McEnroe (USA) and Bjorn Borg (Europe).
“I know from experience how tough Roger is as an opponent, and personally will make it a mission to qualify for Laver Cup so we can be on the same team. I can only imagine how much fun it would be to compete on the same team as he and Rafa.” Berdych said about the prospect of playing on the same team as his rivals.
There is also a possibility of a unique occurrence in the event. Speaking to the media in the Czech Republic, Federer has hinted about potentially about playing doubles alongside Rafael Nadal. The two have played each other 35 times on the ATP Tour, most recently the Australian Open final, but they have never joined forces in a doubles match.
“I’ve always wanted to play with Rafa… just because our rivalry has been so special,” Federer admitted.
“I’ve seen his wicked forehand go past me too often!
“Rod Laver wants us to represent our part of the world with pride and play our best and win for our teammates. We will play to our best possibilities.”
Featuring legends from the past and present, the Laver Cup doesn’t intend to follow in the footsteps of events such as the International Premier Tennis League. Instead, they intend to make it a serious contest, dismissing the idea it is an exhibition.
“It has maybe no points and that is why people might consider it an exhibition. But that is not how the captains see it. That is not how Rod Laver sees it.” Berdych stressed.
The first Laver Cup will take place at the O2 Arena in Prague between September 22nd-24th. It will be held annually two weeks after the US Open at numerous locations throughout the world. The only exception is during summer Olympic years, when the event will not take place due to scheduling.
