Roger Federer could eventually add another major role to his long relationship with the Laver Cup, with his agent Tony Godsick backing the 20-time Grand Slam champion to become Team Europe captain in the future. The Swiss has been closely involved with the competition since its creation in 2017 and remains one of the key figures behind the event.
Federer is back at London's O2 Arena this week for the 2026 edition, returning to the venue where he played the final match of his professional career four years ago. He is not part of Team Europe's bench this time, with Yannick Noah serving as captain and Tim Henman as vice-captain, while Andre Agassi leads Team World alongside Patrick Rafter.
The 44-year-old helped create the Laver Cup alongside Godsick and has remained closely connected to the event since its inaugural edition. His involvement has continued well beyond his playing career, although he has so far stopped short of taking an official role within either team's coaching or leadership structure.
That could eventually change. Godsick believes Federer will become a Laver Cup captain at some point, despite acknowledging that the Swiss has reservations about the commitment involved.
Federer already thinking like a captain
Godsick has a unique perspective on Federer's future because he has represented the Swiss throughout much of his professional career while also helping build the Laver Cup. He believes Federer is already showing the kind of attention to detail that could make him a natural captain.
"So Roger one day is ready to be captain," he said at the Laver Cup. "The next day he says, I can't be a captain for 10 years. He's got four kids, he's got a lot going on."
"What I can tell you is one day he'll be captain for sure. I hope. I mean, nothing's for sure. I know behind the scenes he behaves and acts like one with Steve and I.
"He doesn't get involved in anything that the captains are doing from that standpoint, but he loves this event."
Federer's involvement currently remains informal. He does not take part in the decisions made by Noah and Henman for Team Europe, but Godsick suggested that the former world No.1 follows the competition closely and has a genuine interest in what happens behind the scenes.
That includes the smallest details. Godsick recalled sending Federer the confidential schedule for the current day and receiving a response that showed just how closely the Swiss was already studying it.
"I remember when we got the confidential schedule for today, I sent it to him immediately and he started analyzing it in detail. So he could be ready to be captain tomorrow, without a doubt," Godsick said.
"I would love to see him as captain at some point. Andre (Agassi) is doing a great job. He takes this so seriously, and so does Pat Rafter. And Yannick Noah has been just absolutely amazing, and Tim Henman has been fantastic and great."
Federer has already left the door open
Federer's own comments suggest that the possibility is not simply something being imagined by his agent. The Swiss addressed the prospect last month, making a distinction between becoming a Laver Cup captain and taking on a traditional coaching position.
"With the Laver Cup down the road, the captain role is definitely something I could consider. Coaching, at the minute, no — I'm too busy, the kids need my undivided attention, I have too many projects, and I love my time and my life with my wife," Federer said. "I don't want to change that right now. But never say never."
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The difference is significant. A traditional coaching role would require Federer to spend much of the year travelling and working closely with a player, while the Laver Cup captaincy is concentrated around one event and already has a strong personal connection for him.
For now, Federer remains an influential presence around the competition without an official position on the bench. But with his agent backing the idea and Federer himself refusing to close the door, a future Laver Cup edition could eventually see one of the event's founders take charge of 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.
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