"The players are only participating because the cheque is huge": Benneteau blasts Laver Cup's lack of ‘sporting criteria’
ATP
Former
top-25 player Julien Benneteau criticized the Laver Cup, led by Roger Federer,
for lacking ‘sporting criteria’ in the selection of players. The tournament
took place over the weekend of September 20-22, with Team Europe emerging as
champions for the 5th time, edging out Team World in a close 13-11 series.
Team Europe
was led by three top-5 players: Alexander Zverev (No. 2), Carlos Alcaraz (No.
3), and Daniil Medvedev (No. 5). On the other hand, the top-ranked players for
Team World were Americans Taylor Fritz (No. 7), Frances Tiafoe (No. 15), and
Ben Shelton (No. 17).
Although
Europe was the favourite, after the first day ended in a tie, the second day
was dominated by Team World, who won three out of the four matches and went
into Sunday leading the series. However, Alcaraz spearheaded Europe’s comeback,
with the team winning three out of the final four matches to secure the title
once again.
Current
captain of the French Billie Jean King Cup team, Julien Benneteau, expressed
his thoughts on the podcast Grandes Gueules du Sport, stating that the
players are only motivated by money, and that the tournament is far from being
like the Ryder Cup in golf: “There is no emotion,” he said.
“When you
win even an ATP 250, there is sporting value. The Laver Cup has no sporting
value because the selection is done at the whim of Federer and [Tony] Godsick,
there is no sporting criteria.”
“The Ryder
Cup has six players who qualify based on their results and six others chosen by
their captain. But these are sporting decisions, not based on who you are
represented by on the ATP circuit or which agency manages you."
Ben Shelton at 2024 Laver Cup.
The former
men’s doubles Olympic bronze medallist Benneteau also criticized the selection
of players for the Laver Cup. “[Alejandro] Tabilo in the world selection, is he
the best? There is no sporting criteria,” he commented on the Chilean world No.
22. Currently, there are seven non-European players ranked higher than Tabilo
(three of them participated in the Laver Cup) and a total of 13 non-European
players in the top 30.
“[Frances]
Tiafoe and [Taylor] Fritz are not going to play the Davis Cup in China because
there’s no money, but they are going to play the Laver Cup because they’re
getting a huge cheque,” he added about the two Americans. “The players are only
participating because the cheque is huge.”
Team Europe
players received $250,000 each for winning the title, while Team World players
received $125,000 each for their participation in the tournament. Next year,
the event will be held in San Francisco, marking a shift as John McEnroe and
Bjorn Borg will no longer serve as captains. They will be replaced by Andre
Agassi for Team World and Yannick Noah for Team Europe.
Cristhián AvilaTennis Journalist
Cristhián Ávila is a tennis journalist based in Santiago, Chile, and has been part of the TennisUpToDate team since early 2023. He covers the ATP and WTA Tours as well as all four Grand Slams, producing breaking news, match reports, analysis, and regular liveblogs from major tournaments.
His reporting combines statistical analysis with clear explanation, helping readers understand tactical developments, player form, and broader storylines across the tour. Working fluently in both Spanish and English, Cristhián collaborates with an international editorial team and contributes to comprehensive global coverage. As part of his work, he has conducted interviews and media interactions with leading figures in the sport, including Caroline Wozniacki and John McEnroe.
In his journalism, Cristhián places strong emphasis on careful sourcing, editorial accuracy, and updating articles promptly when new, verified information becomes available. His coverage is grounded in research, context, and direct engagement with professional tennis.
claps 0visitors 0
Just In
Popular News
Latest Comments
- Wtf? Why is there no reason? And what about the men's?Bel08-11-2026
- One step by another step -- WTA continues to 'lose the plot'. Too many hi-tech microphones being installed at most venues!!! Remove them (especially those along the hallways, sidewalks, and pathways throughout the venues. Not to mention (most of all) remove the mic's from the Players/Coaches Box.
mandoist06-11-2026 - Enough of her bullshit. Go marry someone.mandoist06-11-2026
- Don't you just love this young lady!? We fans often expect athletes to be supermen and superwomen, often forgetting that they WILL GET TIRED! I love Alex's perspective. Tiredness for an athlete should never be viewed as a negative, especially if you are healthy, taking care of your body and mental health and putting in the work. What a mature perspective. Good for you, Alex!Rapunzel05-11-2026
- Jess is absolutely correct! But the disrespect is a trait I have noticed in most of the Russian players. Mirra is good but very immature and lacks humility. Conceivable needs to get a handle on that!Rapunzel05-11-2026
- Having spent weeks and weeks through the years on tour, I can say with confidence that Conchita was (is) one of the very few who realize the surprising level of maturity (and sometimes lack of) which Mirra seems to have developed in such a demanding adult world of Pro-Tennis. While at the same time reminding herself (Conchita, that is) that Mirra is still young and developing mentally and physically. The general public may forget at times, or not at all realize, these modern era young athletes do not have a 'normal' Youth. It's a major sacrifice, among countless sacrifices, these athletes must make. People who blow-off that fact are ignorant and unfair when they blurt out, "They choose fame so they have to put up with the intrusions on their lives". No, they do not.mandoist05-11-2026
- Okay... someone with a camera was EAVESDROPPING on a private conversation. Shouldn't that be the point of discussion here? Regardless of the sensationalist crap by media, Pegula (and anyone) has a right to an opinion. There used to be an expectation that private conversations were respected, regardless of 'stardom' and whatever other defensive excuses media tries to shove in our faces. Boo-hoo if feelings are hurt. BTW: Having been employed at various tourney venues, etc., I can't tell you how nasty and offensive players can be when discussing their opponents and colleagues... in "private". Well, I could, but won't. I also challenge anyone to deny what Jessica said is false.mandoist05-11-2026
- Vacherot is Mongasque, rather than Swiss. The tournament was Swiss :DTrwd7702-11-2026
- After a couple decades traveling to IIHF tourneys overseas... our family is done with it... and I will not be the only one!! Bad enough the NHL allows Ovachenko (a Putin Supporter and Campaigner) to live and play in the USA. Let's not forget the STATE SPONSORED RUSSIAN DOPING PROGRAMS still in effect today.mandoist31-10-2026
- Osaka's mental state apparently does not allow her to reach any more Quarter Finals? I mean, she doesn't really have the time for tennis with all the pre-planning that must go into her 12 year-old "fashion" goals.mandoist29-10-2026
