Laver Cup 2021: The great opportunity for Team World?
Team World is still without a win at the Laver Cup, which was launched in 2017. The chance of a premiere triumph this year is probably greater than ever before.
by Nikolaus Fink
last edit: Sep 22, 2021, 09:49 pm
The Laver Cup casts its shadow ahead. Before the fourth edition of the team competition co-organized by Roger Federer was given the starting signal in the TD Garden in Boston on Friday, Team World and Team Europe held numerous media events on Wednesday.
And the look at the official photos should have pleased the world selection: unlike in previous years, no 20-time Grand Slam champion will serve in Boston this year. Specifically, it is of course about Novak Djokovic, Rafael Nadal and Federer. While the latter two are currently recovering from their injuries, the Serbian world number one is taking a break after his final defeat at the US Open.
Team Europe starts as a favorite
Thus the newly crowned major champion Daniil Medvedev leads the European team, according to the world rankings Stefanos Tsitsipas and Alexander Zverev follow as number two and three respectively. Björn Borg's team is completed by Andrey Rublev, Matteo Berrettini, Casper Ruud and substitute Feliciano Lopez.
Although the Europeans are to be favored in the fourth edition of the Laver Cup according to the ATP rankings, the chance of Team World’s first triumph is probably better than ever before. Not only the absence of the "Big Three", but also the usually strong performances of John Isner, Nick Kyrgios and Jack Socks - only replacements this year - as well as the home advantage speak for John McEnroe's team.
Youth and experience in Tem World
In addition to the three "Laver Cup old masters", Felix Auger-Aliassime, Denis Shapovalov, Diego Schwartzman and Reilly Opelka will compete for Team World. "The idea this year is to mix a little youth with experience. With guys who can take the racket out of your hand," said McEnroe, explaining his strategy.
The first decisions for this year's Laver Cup will be announced on Thursday at 6:00 p.m. Central European Time: From this point on, the schedule for Friday will be fixed.