Roger Federer’s co-created Laver Cup has enjoyed a successful eighth edition so far.
With new captains, Andre Agassi and Yannick Noah, at the helm of Team World and Team Europe, the 2025 event has seen some impressive displays of tennis and big results.
Young stars Joao Fonseca and Jakub Mensik announced themselves to the San Francisco crowd with victories on the opening day, before Taylor Fritz earned a shocking win against Carlos Alcaraz on day two.
The players appear to have bought into the competition and are not just treating it as an exhibition, which is exactly what Federer had in mind years ago when planning the creation of the Laver Cup.
Photo by Ezra Shaw/Getty Images for Laver CupRoger Federer explains why players are bought in to the Laver Cup
The 20-time major champion explained in an interview with Tennis Channel: “When I started the event with Tony [Godsick], the idea was definitely that this has to be real tennis. You know, this can’t be a hit and giggle. We can do exhibitions elsewhere.
“And honestly, when you’re sitting on the bench and next to you is a legendary player, and Rod Laver is in the building, I’m in the building, John McEnroe is in the building, legends are in the building, and they want to see the best tennis played, I think you come and perform.
“Plus, you have the whole team environment also wishing that they maybe could play instead of you, so you have to show up for them as well.”
Photo by Ezra Shaw/Getty Images for Laver Cup
Federer noticed that even the world number one, Alcaraz, has been approaching the event with enthusiasm.
“I think that whole dynamic creates bringing out the best and actually giving really energetic vibes. I mean, if you look at how bouncy Carlos was yesterday in the doubles. I mean, it was very cool to see.”
Carlos Alcaraz has a chance to redeem himself on day three
Alcaraz’s loss to Fritz cost Team Europe another valuable two points, which has now resulted in Team World heading into day three with a 9-3 lead.
Agassi’s side needs just two wins to give them an insurmountable tally of 15 points and secure the Laver Cup.
The Spaniard will have two chances to deny them the victory, as he is set to play both singles and doubles on the final day.
He will partner with Casper Ruud in the day session against the duo of Alex Michelsen and Reilly Opelka, before facing Francisco Cerundolo later on.