21-time Grand Slam champion Novak Djokovic has confirmed his intention to play in what is set to be a blockbuster lineup for Team Europe at the Laver Cup later this year.
The addition of the former world No.1 means the Big Four of the sport will be reunited once again. Roger Federer, who is the co-founder of the event, is set to play in what will be his first taste of competitive tennis since undergoing further surgery on his right knee. The Swiss Maestro hasn’t played a match since his quarter-final loss at the 2021 Wimbledon Championships. Rafael Nadal and Andy Murray have also confirmed that they will play in the three-day event.
“It’s the only competition where you can play in a team environment with guys that you’re normally competing against and to be joining Rafa, Roger and Andy – three of my biggest all-time rivals – it’s going to be a truly unique moment in the history of our sport,” Djokovic said in a press release.
The Big Four has been a formidable force on the men’s Tour for more than a decade. Since February 2004 Daniil Medvedev is the only player outside of the quartet to have reached the No.1 spot. Between them, they have won 66 Grand Slam titles with Nadal currently holding the record at 22.
“I don’t think I could have imagined having these four icons of the sport on one team together. I know they, like I, appreciate the significance of this moment and will be truly up for it. Each year our goal is to win. With Rafa, Roger, Andy and Novak on the team, I like our chances.” Team Europe captain Bjorn Borg said.
The full lineup for this year’s competition is still to be finalized. Besides the Big Four, Felix Auger-Aliassime, Diego Schwartzman and Taylor Fritz have confirmed that they will be playing.
First launched in 2017 and inspired by Golf’s Ryder Cup, the Laver Cup features team Europe taking on players from the rest of the world. Each team will feature a total of six players. The event is named after Australian great Rod Laver who is the last man to have won all four major tournaments within the same season. Three years ago it became an ATP sanctioned event which means it has a place on the Tour calendar and is allowed access to certain marketing materials. However, ranking points are not awarded to players.
This year’s Laver Cup is being held in London at The O2. A multi-purpose indoor area which was the home of the ATP Finals between 2009-2020. Team Europe will be seeking to win the title for the fifth time in a row and they are yet to lose.
The Laver Cup will take place from September 23-25, 2022.
