Laver Cup Preview 2021

Story posted September 23, 2021 in CommRadio, Sports by Daniel Maiorana

The fourth annual Laver Cup, a tennis team event, featuring the world’s top players, returns to the United States September 24-26. The TD Garden will host Team World and Team Europe as the World tries to capture its first Laver Cup title. Even without the “big three” in attendance, there will still be plenty of star-studded players to look out for.

What is the Laver Cup?

Simply put, it is tennis’ version of the Ryder Cup, but instead of Team USA and Team Europe, it is Team World versus Team Europe. Thanks to the dominance from European tennis players in recent history, having a team of only Americans would simply be unfair.

Format

Each team consists of six players that have been chosen by each team’s captain. On day one of the tournament, there will be three singles matches and one doubles match, all worth one point.

On day two, there will again be three singles matches followed by a doubles match, but now worth two points. On the third and final day, a doubles match is followed by three singles matches, all worth three points.

The team who first reaches 13 points will win the event, and if the score is 12 all after the third day, a deciding one-set doubles match will be played.

Teams and Captains

Team World captain John McEnroe and his team of ambitious players outside of Europe will consist of Felix Auger-Aliassime, Denis Shapovalov, Diego Schwartzman, Reilly Opelka, John Isner, Nick Kyrgios and alternate player Jack Sock.

Team Europe captain Bjorn Borg and his team of European superstars will consist of Daniil Medvedev, Stefanos Tsitsipas, Alexander Zverev, Andrey Rublev, Matteo Berrettini, Casper Ruud and alternate player Feliciano Lopez.

Team World is still looking for their maiden Laver Cup title, and even without the “big three” participating, Team Europe will be a tough matchup. All of Team Europe’s players are currently ranked inside of the ATP top 10, and they are here to prove that the young-guns don’t need help from Roger Federer, Rafael Nadal or Novak Djokovic.

Possible Matchups

Perhaps the most electrifying doubles team in the world may be showcased, but don’t count on it.

Captain McEnroe has teamed up with Kyrgios and Sock in years past, and it has made for some unforgettable memories. If Sock, who is an alternate and can only sub in for an injured player, somehow pairs up with Kyrgios it will surely be a must-see match.

Other players, such as the big-serving Opelka, and Medvedev could be a highlighted match, filled with a ceaseless number of aces.

The two recently faced off in the Toronto Masters 1000 tournament final, where Medvedev took the trophy. The difference in playstyles is surely breathtaking, so fans could be treated to a much-needed rematch of the two.

Odds

Team Europe -400. Team world +275.

With Team Europe coming into Boston with three straight victories, it is the clear favorite as usual. Could this finally be the year where Team World’s swagger matches its on-court play, or will Borg’s composed squad come out with yet another Laver Cup victory?


Daniel Maiorana is a first-year majoring in broadcast journalism. To contact him, email dkm5903@psu.edu.

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laver cup , tennis