The Laver Cup 2024 is just around the corner. As the new season kicks off, the event has sparked heated debates. Rennae Stubbs, Serena Williams‘ former coach, recently weighed in on it as she expressed concerns about how Roger Federer‘s brainchild Laver Cup, among other events, is overshadowing the Davis Cup.
Launched just seven years ago, the Laver Cup has quickly gained immense traction. With legends like Bjorn Borg and John McEnroe as captains and the iconic Rod Laver as its namesake, the event’s appeal goes beyond tennis. Roger Federer, the founder, has also boosted its global popularity. However, Stubbs feels this rise is overshadowing other team events such as Davis Cup and Billie Jean Cup. She shared her thoughts during a recent episode of her podcast, explaining how the event holds a different significance.
She said, “If we’re going to continue to have Laver Cup and Hoffman Cup and blah, blah, blah cup and this exhibition and that exhibition, Davis Cup and Billie Jean King Cup are suffering, and they should be, the root of the youth of tennis watching in their home countries. And I miss the Home and Away ties.”
Further, she added, “I understand if you’re going to do it in one place, but do it every once, every two years, and make it a true destination, where people go and travel, like the Solo Cup, like Ryder Cup, where they make a trip out of it, you know, instead of, like, I can’t even keep up with Billie Jean King cup and Davis Cup anymore.”
Berlin will host the 2024 Laver Cup from Friday, September 20, to Sunday, September 22. This unusual team event has fans from all around the world delighted. A big part of its appeal is the team format. Last year, Team Europe’s player Casper Ruud shed light on what makes this tournament special. He stated, “It’s nice to have your usual opponents as teammates for once. You build a connection or bond that lasts through the year.”
Meanwhile, for the Wimbledon champion Carlos Alcaraz, the Laver Cup is more than just a team event. He is ready to make his debut in the tournament and a few days ago, he opened up about the main goal behind his participation.
Carlos Alcaraz reveals his Laver Cup goal
Alcaraz has long admired the Laver Cup from the sidelines, captivated by its unique format and the camaraderie between rivals-turned-teammates. Now, as he steps into the event, his focus is clear: he’s not just there to enjoy it but to achieve victory for Team Europe. He said, “I love it, and I wanted to be part of it. It’s a serious competition. I think we have to represent Europe, you know, in the best way possible. The prestige that this tournament has, and, being a Laver Cup champion is a huge thing.”
Alcaraz’s excitement for the Laver Cup is also because of its special format, which allows him to play together with his competitors, in a rare instance. For Alcaraz, who is accustomed to facing these players from the other side of the net, this dynamic offers a unique element, leaving him excited just like the fans. What are your thoughts on the Laver Cup? Is it really overshadowing the Davis Cup and the Billie Jean King Cup? Let us know in the comments.
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