Imagine the world of tennis as a thrilling stage where players compete and share special moments. Now, think of the Laver Cup as one of the grandest shows on that stage. A stage where Roger Federer bid farewell from Tennis. However, as we approach the Laver Cup 2023, there’s a feeling of confusion among fans. This confusion comes from the fact that the likes of two beloved players, Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal, won’t be a part of it this time.
This duo, revered as much for their unparalleled skills as for their unwavering sportsmanship, is conspicuously absent this year, casting an unexpected shadow over the excitement that usually accompanies this renowned event.
Fans react negatively to the Laver Cup 2023 lineup
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This is the second time in Laver Cup history that these four legends won’t be playing. Last year’s event, with Federer and Nadal playing doubles together, was the grandest edition ever. This year’s absence of these icons is a big letdown for the fans and they didn’t mince their words. A prominent tennis insider Jos? Morgado shared this news and he couldn’t help but add their opinion, calling the line up, “by far the weakest ever.”
Laver Cup 2023 teams complete — by far the weakest edition ever.
EUROPE
Rune
Ruud
Tsitsipas
Rublev
Hurkacz
MonfilsWORLD
Fritz
Tiafoe
Paul
Auger-Aliassime
Cerundolo
Shelton— José Morgado (@josemorgado) August 23, 2023
Fans have taken to social media to express their disappointment about the news.
One fan expressed frustration on Twitter, saying, “they want me to go from THIS to that calamity of a lineup ? ayo @LaverCup you will NOT be seeing me”
they want me to go from THIS to that calamity of a lineup 😭 ayo @LaverCup you will NOT be seeing me https://t.co/vBdHn8bHsB pic.twitter.com/nuRAhMivz7
— Tanmay (@franchiseford) August 23, 2023
Another fan shared their disappointment, “Looks like no one will be watching the Laver Cup this year. Tbb they should’ve just retired the whole tournament after last year coz nothing will ever top that”
Looks like no one will be watching the Laver Cup this year
Tbb they should've just retired the whole tournament after last year coz nothing will ever top that https://t.co/y81GZxW2wp
— Suhayb (@SubzB) August 23, 2023
A fan’s response was clear, “Yeah we?ll be watching davis cup”
https://twitter.com/Redabouchefaa1/status/1694363537102012585?s=20
Someone wondered, “Roger couldn?t use his influence to get Alcaraz on board?”
Roger couldn’t use his influence to get Alcaraz on board? https://t.co/TcWgxQxmCB
— Femi (@sure_boiiii) August 23, 2023
Reminiscing about the past, a fan said, “last year had Roger/Rafa/Novak/Andy all together what is this ??”?It certainly becomes a big fan debate whenever a change of guard happens in any sport.
With the big 4 of men’s tennis heading into the twilight of their careers, the new guard of Tsitsipas, Rune, Ruud, Alcaraz, etc. will take some time to make a mark on tennis fans’s hearts.
last year had Roger/Rafa/Novak/Andy all together what is this 😭😭 https://t.co/i9vpZWigdB
— شازل 🇵🇸 (@stantonnukes) August 23, 2023
A concerned fan observed, “That is a huge drop in player stardom. Laver Cup made a lot of sense with the big 3 involved, not sure how it will continue to make the same margins beyond them.”
https://twitter.com/ajafarey/status/1694362543928541522?s=20
Another fan pointed out the team composition, saying, “Team world is more like team USA. Why not choose Alex or Jarry? and team Europe…not actually the best line-ups”
Team world is more like team USA. Why not choose Alex or Jarry? and team Europe…not actually the best line-ups https://t.co/mDPY4i5uuQ
— Ja Jidapa (@Flyhigh299) August 23, 2023
A skeptical fan joked, “Jose only saying this cause Carlos isn’t playing”
Jose only saying this cause Carlos isn't playing https://t.co/zpNBaUVpGu
— emily (@janniksinners) August 23, 2023
Questioning the statement of Morgado, a curious fan added, “If you say such statements ?weakest? then you should also provide the measurements how did you come to this conclusion of ‘the weakest’ Last year?s team had 3832927 slam winners and they lost”
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If you say such statements “weakest” then you should also provide the measurements how did you come to this conclusion of “the weakest “ .
Last year’s team had 3832927 slam winners and they lost https://t.co/C2EulGH5Sf— Krista (@BwehRublev) August 23, 2023
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FeDal’s tearful embrace on the court last year marked the end of an era, and fans could hardly fathom the prospect of a Laver Cup without their iconic presence. But reality has hit. The 2023 lineup revealed by Team Europe has disappointed many tennis lovers. Not only Federer and Nadal but also Novak Djokovic and Andy Murray, won’t be part of the tournament.
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