Laver Cup Crowns Team Europe Champions, Raises Questions About Future
The Laver Cup, a three-day tennis extravaganza, has once again crowned Team Europe as champions, marking their fifth victory in the event’s seven-year history. This year’s edition, held in Berlin, drew praise from tennis legends Andy Roddick and Jon Wertheim.
Roddick highlighted the event’s unique format, which caters to players’ needs. “It’s an easy yes for the players,” he said. “It’s three days, tiebreaker for a third set, so even if you’re playing a lot like Ben Shelton, you’re playing indoors, it’s predictable.”
Wertheim agreed, calling Laver Cup “absolutely right for disruption” and a welcome alternative to the “wreck” that Davis Cup has become. He also raised the question of whether women should compete in the event, arguing that it could improve competitive balance.
Roddick countered that women’s tennis should create its own successful event rather than relying on Laver Cup. However, both commentators recognized the standout performances of Carlos Alcaraz, Taylor Fritz, and Ben Shelton at this year’s Cup.
Alcaraz’s victory over Botic van de Zandschulp was seen as a reassertion of his dominance after a disappointing US Open. Roddick praised Fritz as “the lunch pail guy” who consistently delivers his best effort. Shelton, meanwhile, is showing increasing confidence against top-ranked opponents.
The article also discussed the recent coaching changes in tennis, including Naomi Osaka’s split with her coach and Jannik Sinner’s addition of two members of Novak Djokovic’s team. Roddick challenged Alcaraz to boycott mandatory events to force calendar reform, hoping that other top players will follow suit.