Co-founder Roger Federer has insisted that Team Europe will not have it easy in the Laver Cup against their rivals despite the disparity in rankings between the two groups.
This year’s edition features seven members of the world’s top 20. However, six of those belong to the European contingent. Including Alexander Zverev, Stefanos Tsitsipas, Dominic Thiem and Rafael Nadal. Even their alternate, Roberto Bautista Agut, is ranked higher than any member of Team World. World No.20 John Isner is the highest ranked player from outside of Europe. Isner has branded his opposition as ‘the greatest team of all time.’
Whilst some have been quick to point out the difference between the two, Federer has insisted that the upcoming tie will not be a one-sided encounter. Saying that player’s such as Isner and Nick Kyrgios has the ability to cause a few surprises.
“We have incredible depth,” Federer told reporters on Wednesday.
“The problem is we are indoors, best of three (sets), super-tiebreaker in the third, and we are playing against big servers who like the indoors and all have a big forehand.
“So as much as we are the favourites, I do think it’s going to be extremely tight. They are really good at doubles.
“Obviously Jack I think is one of the world’s best doubles players if not the absolute best right now.
“We know how hard it’s going to be.”
John McEnroe, who is the captain of Team World, admits that they will be underdogs. However, he believes a surprise could happen. They are yet to win the three-day tournament. Losing 9-15 in 2017 and 8-13 in 2018.
“We are obviously big underdogs but we have been close, very close, so we feel confident that we can pull off an upset,” said McEnroe.
“But of course we know that obviously a couple breaks could hopefully go our way. When you have four matches, you have match point and lose all of them, that’s rough, especially when you’re playing guys this good.
“So hopefully we will take advantage of those chances.”
Isner believes the key to stopping Federer and Co will be power and short rallies. The American has played in the past two editions of the Laver Cup. In 2017 he managed to stun Rafael Nadal in two sets, but lost both of his singles matches in the event last year.
“On our side we have a lot of powerful players,” Isner previewed. “Players that can take the racquet out of their hands, so we’re going to need to do that.
“On their side they have the best ball strikers in the world, we have the ability to finish points quickly, and we’re going to need to do that.”
This year is the first time the Laver Cup has become part of the ATP calendar following an agreement. Granting them access to ATP services, including marketing and social media, as well as personnel such as officials and physios. However, both ranking points and prize money will not be on offer.
The Laver Cup will get underway on Friday.
The teams
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