Roger Federer has declined the offer to become Laver Cup captain, just as plans to move the tournament to Saudi Arabia are being discussed. The Swiss tennis player, winner of 20 Grand Slam titles, was the creator of the event in 2017 and, after his retirement, it was considered that he would naturally assume the role of leader of the European team.
Since the tournament’s inception, the captains have been Bjorn Borg for Europe and John McEnroe for the World team, reigniting one of the greatest rivalries in tennis history.
Federer’s future aspirations at the Laver Cup
In 2024, the Laver Cup will celebrate its seventh edition and will once again face the European and World teams. It will be the second edition without Roger Federer, after the Swiss retires in 2022.
The former tennis player, 42, is in no hurry to change positions. However, he acknowledged that he envisions himself as a team captain one day, saying: “I see myself as a team captain one day, but I would like to see someone in this position who belongs to the generation after Rod Laver. Someone from between 50 and 65 years old. These guys deserve it first, before it’s my turn,” added Roger Federer.
As leader of the Laver Cup, the tournament that changes venue each year, having been held in Europe, the United States and Canada, Federer’s creator, Tony Godsick, recently commented that moving the event to Saudi Arabia is not unreasonable: ” “One day, the Laver Cup could be held in Saudi Arabia. We rotate between European cities and cities in the rest of the world. I hope Saudi Arabia will be part of this debate at some point in the future.”
Saudi Arabia has shown its interest in hosting ATP and WTA tournaments, offering substantial prizes to participants. They have already secured the Next Gen ATP Finals in a five-year deal starting in 2023. The WTA Finals will also move to Riyadh this year.
Just two days ago, the “Six Kings Slam” was confirmed, an exhibition in Riyadh in which Rafael Nadal, Novak Djokovic, Carlos Alcaraz, Jannik Sinner, Daniil Medvedev and Holger Rune will participate, as part of Saudi Arabia’s initiative to bring the high level tennis to the country. In this regard, Godsick is not overly concerned about the controversies in Saudi Arabia, stating: “Sport is a language that everyone speaks. Sport can allow for dialogue and change.”
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2024-02-08 20:14:32
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