PREVIEW | 2022 LAVER CUP
Can Team Europe maintain the winning streak in Federer’s farewell
It’s hard to believe that Roger Federer will depart professional tennis this week.
However, despite his best efforts and three knee surgeries, that 41-year-old body cannot sustain elite sport anymore. The 20-time major winner will leave in the most fitting of circumstances though.
While the Swiss could have exited with another grand slam appearance, he will finish in London on the same team as the three other men that have defined the modern era of men’s tennis.
Federer will also share the moment with the greats of previous generations (Rod Laver, Bjorn Borg, John McEnroe) and an exuberant London crowd. Retirement is never sweet, but surely this will do for Basel’s finest.
Even before the announcement, this year’s edition of the team event was set to be special given the presence of tennis’s Fab Four. While Rafael Nadal and Novak Djokovic have previously appeared at the Laver Cup, they didn't feature at the same time and Andy Murray has never participated.
So for the first - and sadly only - time in the sport, Nadal, Djokovic and Murray will join Federer on an outrageously gifted European side. The question is: can John McEnroe’s Team World upset the tennis gods and disrupt Federer’s finale?
Let’s take a deeper look at the teams and the first day of matches.
Team Europe
Captained by Bjorn Borg, Team Europe will call on an unprecedented collection of talent for Federer’s last dance.
Unfortunately, the Swiss is limited to a solitary doubles appearance due to his knee issue. However, given how Federer has looked in practice, and the fact that he will be partnered by Rafael Nadal on Friday evening, Borg must be confident there.
Nadal comes to London off the back of a somewhat early exit from the US Open to an inspired Frances Tiafoe. While the 36-year-old has been troubled by the abdominal tweak he suffered at Wimbledon, I think we can expect his best effort (as usual) this weekend.
Andy Murray makes his debut in the Laver Cup and his combination of superior singles and doubles skills will be a formidable asset for Borg. The 35-year-old has played pretty well at various points during the season and can recall very fond memories at the O2.
Despite the undoubted quality of the three names mentioned, I think Novak Djokovic will be the unbreakable rock of the European side this year.
Having missed the North American swing due to his vaccination status, the Wimbledon champion must feel very fresh. When you add in that the 35-year-old is rarely beaten indoors, I don’t think that Team World will get much change from the Serb.
As if those riches weren’t enough, Borg can call on an impressive supporting cast in world no.2 Casper Ruud, Stefanos Tsitsipas and top 10 alternates Matteo Berrettini and Cam Norrie. I’m particularly excited to see what Ruud can bring this weekend given recent form.
Team World
John McEnroe’s side has a monumental task over the next few days but he can call on an exciting contingent of rising North Americans.
Taylor Fritz is a player who has really kicked on in 2022. Always talented and brimming with power, the Californian has discovered an improved formula of late and triumphed at Indian Wells in the Spring. Another important note, Fritz has previously beaten both Nadal and Murray.
Meanwhile, Frances Tiafoe is in the form of his life after a flashy run to the semi-finals at Flushing Meadows. The 24-year-old sits at a career high ranking of no.19 and will bring added confidence to the O2 given his victory over Nadal in New York.
Felix Auger-Aliassime recorded some impressive wins over Carlos Alcaraz, Jannik Sinner and Norrie before London and the Canadian finally broke his title drought at Rotterdam’s indoor event in February.
McEnroe’s side is rounded out by warriors Alex de Minaur and Diego Schwartzman, and doubles supremo Jack Sock. Tommy Paul is an intriguing alternate having already beaten Alcaraz, Zverev and Sinner in 2022.
Friday’s Draw
Day
Casper Ruud v Jack Sock
Stefanos Tsitsipas v Diego Schwartzman
Evening
Andy Murray v Alex De Minaur
Roger Federer/Rafael Nadal v Frances Tiafoe/Jack Sock
The first day of action has been unveiled with Federer and Nadal headlining the Friday night with a doubles against Sock and Tiafoe. The Americans will bring a lot of confidence (Tiafoe) and doubles chops (Sock) to this contest. It could be tight but I can’t imagine the two legends losing this one.
The opening singles will see Ruud take on Sock. I’d expect a win for Team Europe there but John McEnroe will have his eye on the next two singles.
Schwartzman is always a difficult customer and could take advantage of a bruised Tsitsipas after the Greek crashed out of the US Open in round 1. As for Murray v De Minaur, expect that to be a long grind that could go either way. The Scot will need the crowd support against the tireless Australian.
As the tournament progresses, while I think that Djokovic will be unbeatable in singles, Fritz, Auger-Aliassime and Tiafoe should not be underestimated and have the capacity to make this tight.
How To Watch
If you haven't got a much sought after ticket for the weekend, the Laver Cup will be broadcast on Eurosport in the UK and Ireland.
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