The Laver Cup and the ATP have solidified their commitment to the future of tennis by announcing a significant five-year extension to their existing certification agreement. This renewed partnership, which initially commenced with the Laver Cup in 2019, signals a powerful endorsement of the event’s unique format and its growing influence within the professional tennis circuit.
This extension arrives as the Laver Cup marks its seventh edition at the prestigious Uber Arena in Berlin. This milestone underscores the event’s remarkable journey in bringing together a constellation of tennis icons – from revered legends to current stars and rising talents – in a captivating team competition. The Laver Cup has become synonymous with thrilling matches and a distinctive celebration of the sport’s rich heritage and dynamic present.
Under this extended agreement, the Laver Cup, a thrilling showdown where the finest players from Europe clash with their counterparts from the Rest of the World, will continue to leverage the ATP’s extensive global platform. This includes benefiting from the ATP’s far-reaching marketing services, encompassing press and social media outreach, and crucial operational support. The ATP’s support extends to providing experienced match officials and highly skilled physiotherapists, ensuring the event maintains the highest standards of professionalism and player well-being.
Tony Godsick, Laver Cup Chairman and CEO of TEAM8, expressed his enthusiasm for the continued collaboration, stating, “We are delighted to continue our partnership with the ATP. Their recognition validates the Laver Cup vision, which is to bring together the world’s top players – rivals year-round – as teammates, to celebrate and honor the legendary Rod Laver and his compatriots, while growing interest in this wonderful sport at new destinations around the world.”
ATP Chairman, Andrea Gaudenzi, echoed this sentiment, highlighting the Laver Cup’s rapid ascent as a premier event on the tennis calendar. “The Laver Cup has quickly established itself as a unique highlight of our season,” Gaudenzi remarked. “The passionate reception it receives from both the players and fans at every city it visits speaks volumes, and we truly value the great potential Laver Cup has to attract new fans around the globe. We are delighted to be supporting its continued growth.”
Alt text: Tennis legend Roger Federer representing Team Europe at the Laver Cup, emphasizing the high caliber of players involved in the ATP-certified event.
Roger Federer, a pivotal figure in the Laver Cup’s inception, shared his excitement about the event’s trajectory and the ATP partnership. “I’m incredibly proud of what we’ve built with the Laver Cup,” Federer stated. “Becoming recognized as part of the ATP Tour five years ago was an important milestone. It’s been fantastic to see the way players, partners and fans around the globe have embraced Laver Cup. I’m excited for its future.” Federer’s vision for the Laver Cup has clearly resonated with players, fans, and the ATP alike, solidifying its place in the global tennis landscape.
This year’s Laver Cup holds added significance as it marks the final on-court appearance of legendary captains and former rivals, Bjorn Borg and John McEnroe. These iconic figures have served as the captains for Team Europe and Team World, respectively, since the tournament’s inaugural edition in 2017. Their leadership and rivalry have been integral to the Laver Cup’s captivating narrative and competitive spirit.
Reflecting on his long-term involvement, Borg commented, “The Laver Cup has been a huge success, and I’ve been honored to be part of it from the beginning. The values this event stands for—commitment to excellence, a focus on the team, respect for the opponent, and a love for the game—are things we see time and again throughout the competition. It’s been a privilege to lead such a talented group of players in this iconic competition.” Borg’s words underscore the core principles that have driven the Laver Cup’s success and its appeal to both players and fans.
Alt text: Iconic Laver Cup captains Bjorn Borg and John McEnroe, representing Team Europe and Team World respectively, highlighting their final appearance at the ATP-recognized tournament.
McEnroe added his perspective on the event’s impact, stating, “What the Laver Cup has achieved in just a few years is incredible. This event captures the essence of what tennis is all about: competition, passion, innovation and sportsmanship. I’ve enjoyed every moment as captain of Team World, and I can’t wait to see how the Laver Cup continues to inspire players and fans alike in the future.” McEnroe’s enthusiasm reflects the widespread acclaim the Laver Cup has garnered for its innovative format and its ability to showcase the best aspects of professional tennis.
Since its debut in 2017, the Laver Cup has rapidly ascended to become a highly anticipated fixture on the global tennis calendar. The five-year extension of the partnership between the Laver Cup and the ATP emphatically underscores the event’s resounding success and its significant contribution to the continued growth and global appeal of professional tennis. This extended collaboration promises an exciting future for the Laver Cup and its role in shaping the landscape of men’s tennis.
