via Getty
GENEVA, SWITZERLAND – SEPTEMBER 22: Roger Federer of Team Europe poses with Rod Laver and the trophy after winning the Laver Cup during Day Three of the Laver Cup 2019 at Palexpo on September 22, 2019 in Geneva, Switzerland. The Laver Cup will see six players from the rest of the World competing against their counterparts from Europe. Team World is captained by John McEnroe and Team Europe is captained by Bjorn Borg. The tournament runs from September 20-22. (Photo by Julian Finney/Getty Images for Laver Cup)
via Getty
GENEVA, SWITZERLAND – SEPTEMBER 22: Roger Federer of Team Europe poses with Rod Laver and the trophy after winning the Laver Cup during Day Three of the Laver Cup 2019 at Palexpo on September 22, 2019 in Geneva, Switzerland. The Laver Cup will see six players from the rest of the World competing against their counterparts from Europe. Team World is captained by John McEnroe and Team Europe is captained by Bjorn Borg. The tournament runs from September 20-22. (Photo by Julian Finney/Getty Images for Laver Cup)
The Laver Cup is a unique team competition in tennis that bids players from Europe against players from the World. The championship began in 2017 by Roger Federer and his management organization, Team8, in collaboration with others. Choosing a name for the tournament came easily for them as they honored the legendary Rod Laver by naming the cup after him. Being honored by another legend of the sport, Laver is quite happy as he recently shared his gratitude with the tennis world.?
Rod Laver has achieved resounding accomplishments during his time in the sport. He was a player before the Open Era and continued playing after it began. The former Australian player has been honored many times, with the Laver Cup being the latest tennis event to do so.
Rod Laver honored by Roger Federer
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When the tournament was being planned, naming it was not an issue. Established in 2017, the tournament was named after the legendary Rod Laver. Knowing that an exhibition event would be named after him, Laver was a happy camper. He was not only honored by the event but also that Roger Federer thought that highly of him to name it after him.
In the recent edition, Laver gave a touching statement that showed his happiness at the move. “Roger Federer was instrumental in naming the Laver Cup after me. I’m honored he felt that way about me“. The inspiration for the tournament came from the Ryder Cup in golf, which pits European players against the players of the United States.
2 x calendar-year Grand Slam champion. pic.twitter.com/ZUxO3LvgRL
— Laver Cup (@LaverCup) September 28, 2023
The championship has become a highlight of the tennis tour as it was sanctioned by the ATP in 2019. Since then, many look forward to watching the exciting matches.
Naming the tournament in honor of Rod Laver was a no-brainer, given his accomplishments. Laver’s presence in the tournament only improved the event, as the Captains of the two teams were excited to have him there.
Laver Cup captains honored by idol’s presence
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John McEnroe and Bjorn Borg, who played their prime in the 1980s, looked up to Rod Laver. The Australian tennis legend was their biggest idol, and the two were elated to be the captains of their team at an event that honored their idol. About Laver’s presence in the event, McEnroe said, “My idol was Rod Laver. He’s the man“. Borg said, “I’m?very happy, personally, to see my idol here, Rod Laver“.
Laver Cup 2023 sound bites: Treasuring the times. pic.twitter.com/RXbwa1NV1g
— Laver Cup (@LaverCup) September 28, 2023
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Laver is a player whom every ATP player admires. Acquiring the Grand Slam achievement twice in his career, he is the idol of many. Now, the tennis world is giving back to him for his performances by honoring him in various ways.?
