Tennis Announces Ryder Cup-Clone Laver Cup With Roger Federer, Rafael Nadal

by Staff | August 24th, 2016, 5:51 pm
  • 44 Comments

Today in New York, a star-studded line-up totaling 60 Grand Slam titles was on hand to announce the Laver Cup, an annual event pitting the best of Europe against the best of the rest of the world in a tennis team competition.

Players including Roger Federer, Bjorn Borg, Rafael Nadal and Rod Laver himself were at the press conference where it was revealed the first Laver Cup will be held September 22-24, 2017 at the O2 Arena in Prague.

“Rod Laver represents everything that’s great about the sport of tennis, and it’s a privilege to be able to honor his achievements through the Laver Cup,” Federer said.


“I know the players will be keen to compete at the highest level under Rod Laver’s name, and enjoy the chance to team up and play alongside our fiercest competitors. Rafa and I have faced each other across the net countless times … it will be new and exciting to see what we can accomplish together.”

Former rivals Bjorn Borg and John McEnroe will serve as captains for Europe and “The World”, respectively.

“It’s an incredible honour to captain Europe for the Laver Cup, and lead Roger and Rafa, two of the best players the world has ever seen, along with other great European players,” Borg said.

“Bringing Roger and Rafa together will be unbelievable – sitting courtside will be like watching the greatest show on earth. Both of them are ferocious competitors and fight to the final point.”

The plan is to hold the event annually except during Olympic years. Each team will consist of six players including two picked by captains with nine singles and three doubles.

Matches will be best-of-3 with a 10-point match tiebreak in the third.

Each match win will be worth one point on Friday, two points on Saturday and three points on Sunday.

The event, however, is not part of the ATP or the ITF and as of now doesn’t include women. Federer’s TEAM 8 group is part of the management behind it.


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44 Comments for Tennis Announces Ryder Cup-Clone Laver Cup With Roger Federer, Rafael Nadal

J-Kath Says:

Various articles suggesting Federer is urging Murray to join in the so-called “Tennis equivalent of the Ryder Cup next Sept (2017) organised by Federer’s Tennis Businesses. Rafa has agreed, Fed. now trying to get Andy to commit. (Nole not committed as we speak). PLEASE SAY “NO, no thank you Roger” – it will likely jar with a UK Davis Cup which would be my priority (and get a breather from my legitimate goals). Please say that Andy.

August 24th, 2016 at 6:36 pm


Wog Boy Says:

I thought that players were complaining about schedule being overcrowded, but yet they are going for more exhibition (IPTL comes soon after). I understand Roger, he is getting ready for retirement and wants to use his name to improve his business and life after retirement, little bit of conflict of interests since he is still active, but honestly I don’t understand injury prone Rafa, unless he is thinking of retiring soon too.
As for Nole, he has better things to do after USO in September.

August 24th, 2016 at 7:18 pm


J-Kath Says:

Oh Yes Wog Boy: Repeat and Repeat…why the heck has Rafa agreed? Personally if Andy joins in I shall “cry a river”. If Nole agrees I shall admit to defeat – i.e. no understanding of any of them.

August 24th, 2016 at 7:50 pm


Humble Rafa Says:

Does this expand the annual calendar to 56 weeks? Since God himself is involved, I think this may be possible.

August 24th, 2016 at 8:50 pm


Humble Rafa Says:

Since the Arrogant One’s management agency is running it, they could have called it Rogers Cup. Oh, never mind.

August 24th, 2016 at 10:32 pm


skeezer Says:

They could have called it Rafa’s cup, but then you don’t wear one do you, this the wedgie picks.

August 24th, 2016 at 11:58 pm


skeezer Says:

You should be happy with the expanded calendar, you need it.

August 24th, 2016 at 11:58 pm


El_matador Says:

I think it’s a great idea but they should organize it in the november-january period so that it won’t conflict with davis cup and other tournaments..players should skip that bullshit itpl…
(Novak,andy,rafa,roger,wawa,cilic) vs (del potro,raonic,nick,kei,bryan bros)..should be fun..will have a “big 4 vs rest of the tour” feeling..

August 25th, 2016 at 12:47 am


Anki Says:

No way Novak is going to be a part of it, Roger and Andy get on really well, so may be he will be a part of it.

August 25th, 2016 at 2:11 am


J-Kath Says:

Anki

I don’t think R and A are at “war” with each other, but very much doubt they “get on really well”. Personally, don’t want Andy in it. Also don’t want Andy to ever play in China again – I might write to him and tell him how they treat Dogs (which he loves).

August 25th, 2016 at 2:56 am


Anki Says:

Haha, read somewhere that Andy may be a part of it next year. Novak probably won’t be signing up for it given his equation with Roger. Why would you not want Andy to play in China? It is good for the event, top seeds playing. Also chance for him to close in on the number one ranking.

August 25th, 2016 at 5:39 am


Wog Boy Says:

“..players should skip that bullshit itpl…”

Why is it bullshit? Because it was founded by Mahesh Bhupathi and not Roger Federer, or because it has been played in Asia and developing countries and not in Europe or western world?
All feedbacks from ITPL are more than positive, players loved it, Manila, Singapore, India…and even Roger played it (and collected few millions of $$$$).
They are promoting tennis in the most populated part of the world and so far it was success (but they are not promoting TEAM 8 and Roger Federer) only ignorant can call it “bullshit”.

August 25th, 2016 at 5:44 am


Wog Boy Says:

I think I know what JK is talking about, I’ve seen the pictures of that and it was horrible, it made me sick, and I’ve seen a lot in my life.

August 25th, 2016 at 5:50 am


Willow Says:

Look forward to this Roger and Rafa on the same side for a change, mind you these two could play tidley winks and the public would still watch, however i worry this might be too much tennis for Rafa being so suceptible to injuries and all, nice video BTW both look great, dont ever tell me Rafa doesnt look hot in a suit too ….

August 25th, 2016 at 6:02 am


J-Kath Says:

Anki: Look up what they eat in China….and how they prepare it. Like Wogboy, can’t bring myself to even say it.

Hopefully Andy’s participation in Roger’s vanity show-piece is guess-work by whomsoever wrote it. Guess I’ll have to write to him after all.

August 25th, 2016 at 6:33 am


Margot Says:

And just look what happens in the Ryder Cup. Mind you, being European, I enjoy it…….

August 25th, 2016 at 6:54 am


Willow Says:

I Love Chinese food, however id be carefull what ate if i ever went to China for a holiday, as i am a huge animal lover, especially when it comes to dogs, and cant abide animal cruelty, ive just adopted / sponsored a snow leopard for the WWF ….

August 25th, 2016 at 7:04 am


Humble Rafa Says:

As a rule, I prefer players not run tournaments like this when they are actively playing. It brings to surface all the egos and conflict of interest.

I understand it takes a lot of money to feed a family of 6. There are other means available to them.

August 25th, 2016 at 7:22 am


chrisford1 Says:

Excuse me…wasn’t Roger done for the Season and now he is the Maestro of play at a vanity Cup he owns a chunk of?

Nhupathi’s IPTL has actually been a huge hit – bringing top level tennis to the exact places where the game can grow quite a bit – with promotions like IPTL. Some of the players have found the welcome and hospitality they have been getting in India and places like the Philippines to be amazing and deeply appreciated.

I’d rather see more participation in IPTL than in Rogers exo in the established tennis strongholds.

August 25th, 2016 at 7:55 am


J-Kath Says:

Chrisford 1

It’s for 2017.

August 25th, 2016 at 9:53 am


J-Kath Says:

Willow

Animal cruelty in China can be found on the web.

August 25th, 2016 at 9:54 am


Van Persie Says:

I like dogs, and also owe one. Would not eat it.
Regarding Chinese and the cruelty, I do not agree with that, but it is a cultural thing…and hope this will change.
I guess, the majority of the Hindus do consider us barbarian and cruel for eating beef meat.
Did read horrible stories regarding IKEA pillows regarding the goose feathers…
Kentucky Fried cruelty is also well known…

August 25th, 2016 at 10:12 am


Van Persie Says:

P.S. Corrida de torros is also a sad thing…me thinks…

August 25th, 2016 at 10:14 am


Margot Says:

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/magazine-34592336
People’s rights are quite low on the agenda too. Amnesty believes China executes more people than the rest of the world put together. Don’t know the figure per capita.

August 25th, 2016 at 10:25 am


Van Persie Says:

Horrible indeed, Margot. Am curious if this will impact the eventual economical relations between UK and China in the future:)

August 25th, 2016 at 10:51 am


Dennis Says:

Whether some players play or not could also depend on management and sponsor issues. I’m sure certain agents and firms won’t want their players playing in an event run by Federer’s management group, Team 8, which is headed by his personal agent and former IMG guy, Tony Godsick. Then again, since Carlos Costa, Rafa’s agent, is an IMG guy, it appears there is no ill will between IMG and Team 8. After all, I’m sure the event will be structured in such a way as to offer a nice payday for all the players, agents, and agencies concerned.

I do wonder in the end whether this is aimed ultimately at supplanting the Davis Cup. They may not open declare that intent at the beginning, but as it grows and becomes more accepted as an event, it could potentially do that. Many players dislike the format of Davis Cup and it’s year-long commitment (Rafa have rarely played in recent years, and Roger’s Davis Cup play has always been intermittent), so this could provide a good way to have the feel of “playing for the flag” (albeit it for generic European and World teams, not national flags) but with only a three-day playing schedule schedule.

August 25th, 2016 at 11:16 am


Willow Says:

Many years ago my hubby worked in a factory that packed chickens, and kentucky fried chicken is made from all the crappy bits and pieces left over YUCKTY YUCK ….

August 25th, 2016 at 11:20 am


Margot Says:

@VP
Sadly, Chinese money trumps human rights and everything else. Tho the decision to build the new nuclear power station, in which the Chinese would have a big investment, has been put on temporary hold, so here’s hoping.

August 25th, 2016 at 11:45 am


Giles Says:

Willow. Lol. Don’t talk cr@p. No such thing as crappy bits of chicken.

August 25th, 2016 at 12:03 pm


J-Kath Says:

VP

It is not only about the fact they eat dogs – and I’m sorry I simply cannot post the way they are prepared…….(too ensure tenderness) – it is sick-making.

August 25th, 2016 at 1:05 pm


Van Persie Says:

I know JK, I saw something once…cannot watch it again. Then I would have only those images in my mind for a while.

August 25th, 2016 at 1:29 pm


Dennis Says:

Can people please stick to tennis? I’m sure there’s a site somewhere that caters to commentary on world culinary habits.

August 25th, 2016 at 1:29 pm


Van Persie Says:

Dennis, I apologize, but you see, Roger’s name on a thread is such a source of inspiration :). Just kidding. I sincerely apologize.

August 25th, 2016 at 2:03 pm


Margot Says:

@VP
ROFL
@Dennis
Job for the mods not you m’dear. Besides this discussion merely fills the interim before the slam, when I’m sure all your wishes will come true.

August 25th, 2016 at 3:42 pm


chrisford1 Says:

There is some talk about Roger throwing some money the WTA’s way to rename the Fed Cup the Graf-Williams-Evert-Navratilova Cup. Or GWEN CUP for short.
That would free up the Fed Cup name.
Not that Roger would just replace the name Laver on his own. But the guy does have a whole Slam Arena named after him…but should an impartial selection committee like the Edberg Award Committee decide the renaming of Laver Cup to honor an even greater more balletic player with a bigger Open Era Slam Count – Roger would modestly bow to their wisdom.

August 25th, 2016 at 3:43 pm


chrisford1 Says:

The Chinese – anything that walks, crawls, slithers, swims or flies is fair game to be made food. It is just their nature.
In famine, their nickname for the elderly, and the ill is ” emergency tasty soup supply”.

August 25th, 2016 at 3:58 pm


J-Kath Says:

VP: Agree.

Dennis: You are new to me – I used to know a Dennis the Menace – are you related? Was a very sympathetic guy.

August 25th, 2016 at 4:12 pm


Margot Says:

https://twitter.com/maggiemay_hem
Speaking of dogs…dontyer just love Maggy-May? Hope Sophie gets to watch Andy win!

August 26th, 2016 at 1:33 am


Willow Says:

Giles im not talking crap, i have it on authority, hubby used to pack chickens many years ago, and the stuff thats used in KFC is the the all the crappy bits, put me off KFC for life, something i wouldnt touch with a ten foot barge pole YUCK just YUCK ….

August 26th, 2016 at 4:51 am


Willow Says:

Aww Margot Maggie May Murray so cute ;-)) ….

August 26th, 2016 at 4:53 am


emilia Says:

It’s a shame the article doesn’t mention Novak at all. Only the greatest ever – Roger and Rafa. It is not the point whether or not Novak ( and for that matter Andy as well) will participate in this Ryder Cup but the matter of formulation about the players…

August 26th, 2016 at 5:50 am


Van Persie Says:

Agree Emilia,

Would have been nice from Roger, if he mentioned Novak somehow…at least to say politely, that he hoped for Nole to participate once, in the future (even if it would have been unsincere).
Novak is already a tennis legend, even if Roger does not like this.

August 26th, 2016 at 6:27 am


Van Persie Says:

^^ This tournament should be organized for the whole tennis world, otherwise it is just Roger’s tournament with a nice location in Prague.

August 26th, 2016 at 6:32 am

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