This weekend will be as much about learning from other players as well as defeating them for Greece’s Stefanos Tsitsipas in the Laver Cup.
The Australian Open semi-finalist will play in the team tournament for the first time this weekend. Named after tennis great Rod Laver, the three-day competition features Team Europe taking on the rest of the world. Similar to that of the Ryder Cup. This year is the third edition of the event, which has a place on the ATP calendar.
“It’s an honour to join such important players in our era.” Tsitsipas said during a press conference on Thursday. “Being part of this unique celebration to celebrate tennis, celebrate the different continents – rest of the world against team Europe. Getting the opportunity to face each other and prove to one and another who’s better.”
Europe, who are yet to lose the event, heads into Geneva as the overwhelming favourites. All seven members of the team are currently ranked in the world’s top 20. Their line-up includes co-founder Roger Federer, Rafael Nadal and Alexander Zverev. On the other hand, John Isner is the only top 20 player representing the other team.
Tsitsipas is hoping to make his mark in the event. The world No.7 currently has three ATP titles under his belt and has won 41 out of 60 matches played so far this season. Tsitsipas is one of six players playing the Laver Cup for the first time this year.
“What I am aiming for this week is getting experience and learning from you guys (team Europe).” He said. “This event is very important and I think there is plenty of good tennis to be played. People expect a good show and we are here to give it to them.”
The 21-year-old will feature in one of the three singles matches set to take place on Friday. Tsitsipas will play Taylor Fritz in what will be their first meeting at an ATP sanctioned event.
Elsewhere, it is still unclear as to if Nadal and Federer will once again pair up to play in the doubles. Something they did in the inaugural tie back in 2017. Despite Europe’s dominance, that was the only time they won a doubles match to date. Their current win-loss record stands at 1-5.
“It’s a good possibility. We have a lot of players here.” Team captain Bjorn Borg commented about the chances.
“We are talking about who is going to play the doubles. Doubles will be very important every day (of the time), especially to win those points.”
Federer will be in doubles action on Friday, but alongside Alexander Zverev. The duo is set to take on Denis Shapovalov and Jack Sock.
Laver Cup day 1 schedule
Day Session
Match 1: Dominic Thiem vs Denis Shapovalov
Match 2: Fabio Fognini vs Jack Sock
Night Session
Match 3: Stefanos Tsitsipas vs Taylor Fritz
Match 4: Roger Federer & Alexander Zverev vs Denis Shapovalov & Jack Sock
