Tennis's most entertaining contest?

Team Europe winning the Laver Cup in 2024, Credit: BBC

It has undoubtedly become the most attractive team competition of the tennis season. In an era marked by the decline of the Davis Cup, which has lost its significance, the Laver Cup has succeeded in bringing a breath of fresh air to an ATP circuit struggling to renew itself.

Inspired by the legendary Ryder Cup, the competition introduced by Federer in 2017 showcases a fierce confrontation between European players and the rest of the world over the course of an exciting week.

Spotlight on Roger's marketing masterpiece, which has now become a must-see event on the ATP calendar.

Björn Borg and John McEnroe joining the laver cup as coaches, credit : Radio Times

Suspense, doubles restored to their rightful place, an intelligent points system, and emotional farewells. Purists may not find what they're looking for, but let's face it : the Laver Cup has succeeded in its aim.

It must be said that Federer's strategy was off to a good start : how could we fail to be seduced by an almost always mouth-watering all-star line-up, bringing together the most iconic figures in our sport in a fierce battle? Because yes, as Félix Auger-Aliassime reminded the unpredictable Gaël Monfils: this isn't an exhibition.

Individual by definition, tennis has often been sorely lacking in “inside” footage - those little scenes that allow viewers to get under the skin of the players.

This was without counting on the ingenuity of the laver cup and the original scenes it brilliantly scripted.

Nothing is covered up here, from the sometimes provocative reactions to Nadal's coaching sessions with his long-time rival Fognini : the renowned team competition has nothing to hide from its spectators.

Legendary coaching scene at the Laver Cup, Credit Eurosport

While the tournament orchestrated by Roger had everything it needed to succeed, it did have a few flaws. Long dominated by Team Europe, historically made up of the very best players, the Laver Cup has sometimes lacked interest, as demonstrated by the overwhelming 14-1 victory inflicted by Nadal and his companions on the rest of the world in 2021.

Now a fully integrated event on the ATP calendar, tennis' All-Star Game and its delirious prize money have however once again had the effect of overshadowing the minor tournaments of the tennis season : the ATP 250...