Reiner for Federer, Zverev and Thiem: Daniil Medvedev serves for Team Europe at the Laver Cup
Team Europe has secured extremely prominent support for the Laver Cup. World number two Daniil Medvedev will also serve for Björn Borg's team.
by Michael Rothschädl
last edit: Aug 15, 2021, 07:48 am
On paper, therefore, it already looks like a fairly clear matter in favor of the Europeans. As of today, Daniil Medvedev, Alexander Zverev, Dominic Thiem, Matteo Berrettini and Roger Federer would only serve players within the top nine of the ATP charts for Team Europe. On the Team World side, Denis Shapovalov, Diego Schwartzman and Felix Auger-Aliassime number ten, 14 and 16 have confirmed their services.
While Team Europe counts the much more prominent names in its ranks, the appearance of the team under the aegis of Björn Borg is nonetheless associated with some question marks. Dominic Thiem and Roger Federer are currently out due to injuries, a start of the two at the US Open is now quite unlikely. Matteo Berrettini has not played a match on the ATP tour since his final defeat at Wimbledon.
Medvedev as number one for Team Europe?
An appearance by the Austrian Thiem is likely to be even more improbable than one of the Swiss, who as an initiator and co-organizer also has many obligations away from the field. Neither the Swiss nor the Austrian would act as a draft horse for Team Europe this year, this - quite prestigious role - will probably be given to the newcomer Medvedev in 2021.
The Russian's number one place for Team Europe could only dispute the number one in the world, Novak Djokovic, whose start, however, is considered to be unlikely due to the tense relationship with Roger Federer. For Daniil Medvedev it is the debut in the big show fight between Team World (under the leadership of John McEnroe) and Team Europe (coach Björn Borg).
The show event will take place in Boston from September 24th to 26th this year.