Roger Federer ruled out becoming the captain of the Laver Cup, while the tournament considers moving to Saudi Arabia. The 20-times Grand Slam champion created the event in 2017, and after his retirement, it seemed a natural step to assume the leadership role for Team Europe.
However, Federer stated that it's not the right time yet, and he will wait for his turn. Since the inception of the tournament, the captains have been Bjorn Borg for Europe and John McEnroe for Team World, reigniting one of the greatest rivalries in tennis history.
In 2024, the Laver Cup will return for its seventh edition, once again pitting Team Europe against Team World. This marks the second edition without Roger Federer following the Swiss player's retirement in 2022.
Now in an organizational role, the 42-year-old former tennis star is in no hurry to change his position. However, he acknowledged that he envisions himself as a team captain someday, expressing, "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 in the 50 to 65 age group. These guys deserve it first, before it's my turn," Roger Federer added.
As the leader of the Laver Cup, the tournament that changes its venue every edition, having been held in Europe, the United States, and Canada, Federer's co-creator, Tony Godsick, recently commented that moving the event to Saudi Arabia is not out of the question: "One day the Laver Cup could be in Saudi Arabia. We rotate between European cities and cities in the rest of the world. I expect Saudi Arabia will be part of this discussion at some point in the future."
Saudi Arabia has demonstrated interest in hosting ATP and WTA tournaments, offering substantial prizes for participants. They have already secured the Next Gen ATP Finals in a five-year deal starting from 2023. The WTA Finals will also relocate to Riyadh for this year.
Just two days ago, the "Six Kings Slam," an exhibition in Riyadh, was confirmed, featuring Rafael Nadal, Novak Djokovic, Carlos Alcaraz, Jannik Sinner, Daniil Medvedev, and Holger Rune, as part of Saudi Arabia's initiative to bring top-tier tennis to the country. In this regard, Godsick is not overly concerned about controversies in Saudi Arabia, stating, "Sport is a language that everyone speaks. Sport can enable dialogue and change."
🗣️ Tony Godsick, agent de Federer et président de la Laver Cup: « Un jour, la Laver Cup pourrait se dérouler en Arabie saoudite. » Pas fou le Tony. Il sent le vent du boulet avec son exhib qui se joue 1 mois avant et qui n’offre pas les mêmes valises de dollars aux joueurs.
