Tennis: The Laver Cup returns, disaster in sight this year?

A major spectacle competition, the Laver Cup is making its comeback this weekend in Vancouver. Created in 2017 under the leadership of Roger Federer, it brings together the best European players to compete against the best players from the rest of the world. A particular format which generates a lot of questions this year since the difference in expectations compared to last year is enormous. However, the main person concerned does not hesitate to defend “his” competition.

Last year, the Making Cup was the retirement competition of Roger Federer. At 41, the Swiss decided to end his career with exceptional emotion surrounded by his friends and rivals. Besides, Rafael Nadal, his last doubles partner, couldn’t hold back his tears either in a full room in London. This year, we must admit that this competition is much less mouth-watering…

A huge opportunity for players

Criticized because it is not considered a real competition, the Making Cup still has a great defender: its creator. Roger Federer was questioned upon his arrival at Vancouver and he wanted to defend his competition. “If you look at the last few editions, they have all been sold out and have all been a lot of fun. For me, the most important thing is that the players left with a lot of information in their backpack and they can now apply it in their daily training, in their everyday life on the court, thinking that at the Laver Cup they learned something from people like John McEnroe or Björn Borg, or maybe from talking to Rafa, me, Novak or Laver himself” declared the Swiss.

Tennis: Alcaraz in exhibition, another strange choice https://t.co/EhTAyaUWe4 pic.twitter.com/vBZMVgNfjf

— le10sport (@le10sport) September 20, 2023

Memories for the younger generation

If the invited players play the competition to the fullest and visibly enjoy themselves, it must be admitted that the Making Cup is more like a big spectacle featuring some of the world’s best players. “These events should not be underestimated. You create memories for kids and their parents who can look back and say, look, remember that time the Laver Cup was in Vancouver, that inspired you to pick up a tennis racket or practice more hard or you had the chance to meet one of the players » continues Federer.

A 2023 casting that is difficult to appreciate?

Even if Roger Federer made an appearance on the court for an interview, the casting for the 2023 edition does not make you dream either. Most of the world’s best players are either absent or have withdrawn a few days before the competition. Finally, the Team Europe is composed of Rublev, Ruud, Davidovich Fokina, Hurkacz, Monfils et Fils and the Team World of Tiafoe, Fritz, Paul, Shelton, Auger-Also et Cerundolo.