Roger Federer is backing Team Europe to reclaim the Laver Cup title, pointing to home-court advantage and depth as key factors ahead of the tournament while singling out emerging talent Learner Tien as a player he is eager to watch live.
Speaking in an interview with The Tennis Pass ahead of the event, Federer reflected on his ongoing relationship with the exhibition tournament he helped launch in 2017. Federer retired from professional tennis at the Laver Cup in London’s O2 Arena in 2022, after appearing in four editions of the team competition. Even in retirement, the Swiss remains closely tied to the event and follows the sport avidly, a passion highlighted during recent appearances in the Wimbledon box.
Federer’s Unique Radar: Watching Unfamiliar Names
While marquee matchups naturally draw global attention, Federer admitted his personal viewing priorities lean toward players he has not yet witnessed in person. Alongside established stars, he specifically named Learner Tien as a newcomer he cannot wait to see on court.
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“I wouldn’t say I’m looking forward to any particular match,” Federer told The Tennis Pass. “I just like to watch players I don’t know, that I haven’t seen play live yet, like Learner Tien. I can’t wait for him to make his Laver Cup debut.”
Tien joins a Team World roster that also features seasoned competitors like Taylor Fritz, Alex de Minaur, and Alexander Bublik. For Federer, the opportunity to observe less-familiar styles up close is a primary draw of the team format.
Star Power and the European Lineup
Beyond tournament debutants, Federer expressed enthusiasm for the established tier of talent representing Europe. He highlighted regulars whose recent campaigns have underscored their dominance.
“It’s always a joy to watch Carlos Alcaraz,” Federer said. “And I must also mention Alexander Zverev, who won two Slams this year and played the Wimbledon final. He’s had an unbelievable run, and it will be great to see him play live again.”
Team Europe’s squad is anchored by Alcaraz and Zverev, alongside Jakub Menšík, Flavio Cobolli, and Rafa Jódar. The European side will look to bounce back under the captaincy of Yannick Noah, who aims to capture his first title at the helm.
Assessing the Rivalry: Team Europe vs. Team World
Team World enters the latest edition holding momentum following strong performances in recent years, including an upset triumph that caught the tennis world’s attention. Federer warned against underestimating the global squad, though he ultimately tipped the hosts to prevail.
“Team World has been very strong in recent years and shouldn’t be underestimated,” Federer said. “On paper, the European team seems to be the favorite, at least in my opinion. Because we don’t know the specific matches yet, I lean towards the European team. They’re playing at home, here in Europe, and I believe they’ll be in better form. That’s just my personal opinion.”
The event continues to draw elite fields and captivate fans worldwide through its unique blend of rivalries and team camaraderie. Stay tuned to official tournament updates and match schedules as the opening day approaches.
Worth a look
