THE LAVER CUP GOES COURTSIDE IN LONDON
words by FELICITY CARTER
The Laver Cup returned to The O2 with Roger Federer, Rod Laver and some of tennis’s leading names watching from the sidelines. Rolex marked the occasion as a founding partner, while Leonardo DiCaprio, Sir Ian McKellen and Jeff Goldblum joined the crowd.
The Laver Cup returned to London this weekend where Team Europe battled it out against Team World at The O2 for three days of tennis with a difference. Rivals became teammates, former champions took their places beside the court and the crowd included rather more famous faces than the average sporting weekend.
Roger Federer returned to the city where he played his final professional match at the Laver Cup in 2022. This time he was watching from the stands, seated alongside Leonardo DiCaprio, and his appearance also marked 25 years since he became a Rolex Testimonee in 2001.
Federer helped establish the tournament in 2017, alongside founding partner Rolex. Named after Australian tennis great Rod Laver, it brings six leading European players together to face six players from the rest of the world -- its team format remains unusual in a sport largely built around individual competition. “The Laver Cup gives tennis the opportunity to show its gratitude to the legends who have shown us the way. Because of the history behind the Laver Cup, and with the event reflecting the best of tennis past, present and future, it resonates with Rolex,” Federer said.
Four generations of Rolex Testimonees were represented across the weekend as Federer and Laver were joined by players and former players including Rafael Jódar, Tim Henman, Taylor Fritz and Pat Rafter.
For those making their first appearance, the team element quickly proved more serious than expected. Alexander Bublik admitted he had previously regarded the tournament as something closer to an exhibition. “I’ve never cared more about winning this one,” he said. “I never cared as much in a quarter-final of a Slam as the doubles I played.”
Brandon Nakashima, another Team World newcomer, found the experience equally different from life on the regular tour. “We don’t get to spend a lot of time together outside the court. To be able to hear their thoughts or insights on the different matches, players and strategy, it is great for me.”
Jódar, the sole Team Europe rookie, won his opening match and spoke of the value of having more experienced players beside him. Team World debutant Learner Tien also secured a first-match victory after spending his opening day listening to advice from Andre Agassi and Pat Rafter.
The view from the stands was nearly as lively, with DiCaprio watching with Federer, while Sir Ian McKellen spoke with Laver about past Wimbledon matches. Then there was Thierry Henry, who spent time with Sir Andy Murray, and Seal performed the coin toss for the opening session. Jeff Goldblum attended several matches with his wife, former Olympic rhythmic gymnast Emilie Livingston, and their son, describing Alexander Zverev’s match against Alex de Minaur as “as exciting and athletic as any time watching sports”.
Jon Bon Jovi, Anna Wintour, James Corden, Romeo Beckham, Sacha Baron Cohen, Golda Rosheuvel, Dina Asher-Smith and Douglas Booth were among the other guests seen across the weekend. Away from the court, Grey Goose was among the tournament’s supporting brands, while UBS, Mercedes-Benz and Alipay+ returned as global partners. “We are a little starstruck with these professional athletes,” Goldblum said. Amid a crowd that included actors, musicians, footballers and fashion names, the feeling was evidently mutual.