Tennis

Roger Federer, the legendary Swiss tennis player, remains an ardent supporter of the Laver Cup. Upon arriving in Berlin for the seventh edition of the event, Federer shared his cherished memories from his playing days and offered his predictions for the 2024 tournament.Federer's retirement from tennis two years ago at the Laver Cup in London was an emotional moment, as captured in the recent documentary "Federer: Twelve Final Days." However, his return to the event has reignited his nostalgia for those special times."Being with Bjorn Borg, Novak Djokovic, Rafael Nadal, and Andy Murray has been incredible," Federer said. "The support from the world's best players is a unique feeling."Looking ahead to the 2024 Laver Cup, Federer believes Team Europe, led by Carlos Alcaraz, Daniil Medvedev, Stefanos Tsitsipas, and Alexander Zverev, holds the advantage in singles. However, he acknowledges Team World's strength in doubles, having won all three doubles matches last year."Team Europe is the heavy favorite in singles, but Team World has the edge in doubles," Federer said. "Ultimately, I think Team Europe will win because they're playing at home."Three players will make their Laver Cup debuts in 2024: Carlos Alcaraz, Alejandro Tabilo, and Thanasi Kokkinakis for Team World, and Grigor Dimitrov for Team Europe. Federer believes their presence adds excitement to the event."The players are thrilled to be here," Federer said. "They enjoy the camaraderie and team spirit."Despite the influx of new faces, Federer also recognizes the bittersweet nature of the 2024 Laver Cup, as it will be the final time Bjorn Borg and John McEnroe lead their respective teams."I want them to be happy this week," Federer said. "I'm sure it will be a memorable event."The Laver Cup action commences on Friday from Berlin's Uber Arena.

Roger Federer's involvement in tennis post-retirement has played a crucial role in preventing him from feeling alienated from the sport he dominated for years. The 20-time Grand Slam champion, who retired at the Laver Cup in 2022, has remained an ambassador for the tournament and has attended several events since."I'm happy I went back right away to some tournaments," Federer said. "I feel I ripped the bandaid off quite quickly and when I walk around the tennis sites I still feel I belong there. I don't feel like an alien, which is a good thing because you can feel like that very quickly."Federer emphasized the importance of staying connected to the sport to avoid the feeling of being an outsider. "People (and) players ask you 'what are you doing here?' and you're like 'exactly -- if you keep talking like this, I will never come back'."The Swiss maestro also praised the rising stars of tennis, Jannik Sinner and Carlos Alcaraz, who are expected to make a significant impact at the upcoming Australian Open. "I think the Australian Open story will be a very cool one to follow," Federer said.Regarding his contemporaries, Novak Djokovic and Rafael Nadal, Federer expressed hope for their continued success. "With Rafa we don't know -- it remains to be seen. It's hard for me to make a prediction on Rafa because of the little tennis he has played this year.""Novak, winning the Olympics and playing somewhat let's say a full season -- he didn't bow out because of injuries, he chose to play less which is normal when you get a bit older. I feel like he has chances moving forward."Federer also commented on Alexander Zverev's potential to win a Grand Slam. "I see someone who's playing much too passively, much too defensively when it matters the most. I think (Zverev) has to remind himself to try to not be too passive and then I think honestly something really great can happen for him."Team Europe has won the first four Laver Cup events, but Team World has triumphed in the past two. The 2023 Laver Cup will be held in Berlin from September 22-24.

Laver Cup, a relatively young event in the tennis calendar, has quickly gained immense popularity and appeal. Launched in 2017, it has become a unique and captivating spectacle that transcends the boundaries of the sport.The event's allure stems from its unique format and the presence of legendary figures. Bjorn Borg and John McEnroe serve as captains, while the aura of Rod Laver, the namesake of the competition, adds to its historical significance. The involvement of Roger Federer, the event's founder, has further elevated its global appeal.Laver Cup's team-based format fosters camaraderie and a sense of unity among players. Casper Ruud, a member of Team Europe, highlights the value of having opponents become teammates, creating bonds that extend beyond the competition. Ben Shelton, a Team World member, relishes the opportunity to collaborate with others, embracing the pressure and shared responsibility.The presence of esteemed coaches like Federer and McEnroe provides invaluable insights and guidance to the players. McEnroe emphasizes the importance of knowing when to intervene and offer constructive feedback, aiming to make a positive impact on their performance.The composition of the teams, Team Europe versus Team World, reflects the shifting balance of power in tennis. After Team Europe's initial dominance, Team World has emerged victorious in the past two editions. The match format, with two sets and a 10-point tiebreaker in lieu of a third set, ensures player-friendliness and contributes to the All-Star Game-like atmosphere.Despite its competitive nature, Laver Cup's results hold little significance in shaping the overall narrative of the tennis year. However, its potential for emotional impact and qualitative influence is undeniable. The unforgettable moment of Federer's final match, where he shared an emotional embrace with his long-time rival Rafael Nadal, showcased the profound bonds forged through competition and camaraderie.Laver Cup has already left an indelible mark on the sport, fostering a spirit of unity and camaraderie among players. It serves as a reminder that competition and friendship can coexist, creating a unique and captivating spectacle that transcends the boundaries of the game.

Former champions Roger Federer and Maria Sharapova graced the hallowed grounds of Arthur Ashe Stadium at the US Open, making their stylish returns to the iconic venue. The legendary duo, who have etched their names in tennis history, enjoyed a packed schedule of activities during their visit to the final Grand Slam of the year.Federer, a five-time US Open champion, shared glimpses of his busy trip on Instagram, showcasing promotional shoots and a delectable slice of New York pizza. The 20-time major winner also made headlines with his comments on the controversial Jannik Sinner doping case, expressing concerns about potential inconsistencies in the handling of the situation.Sharapova, a five-time Grand Slam champion, attended the US Open's Champions of Equality event, honoring producer and screenwriter Shonda Rhimes. Her appearance quickly became a viral sensation when cameras captured her in a stadium suite, her expression conveying a mix of amusement and distress."I look like I just missed a second serve return on break point and saw my coach's reaction," Sharapova joked on social media, poking fun at her own facial expression.Federer and Sharapova's presence at the US Open served as a reminder of their enduring legacy in the sport. Their visits not only added star power to the tournament but also highlighted the enduring appeal of tennis legends.

Former Swedish tennis star Peter Lundgren, who played a pivotal role in the development of Roger Federer's career, has passed away at the age of 59. Lundgren was a prominent figure in the Swedish tennis scene of the 1980s, following in the footsteps of legendary player Bjorn Borg. He achieved notable success on the ATP Tour, winning three titles and reaching a career-high ranking of 25th in the world.After retiring from professional tennis, Lundgren transitioned into coaching and had a profound impact on Federer's early career. He guided the Swiss maestro to 10 ATP titles, including his maiden Grand Slam triumph at Wimbledon in 2003. Lundgren's coaching tenure with Federer lasted for four years, during which time he helped shape the young player's game and lay the foundation for his future dominance.Lundgren's passing has been met with an outpouring of grief from the tennis community. Bjorn Borg, a close friend and former teammate, described him as "a wonderful person with a big heart and a lot of humor." Federer, who credits Lundgren with playing a crucial role in his development, expressed his sadness and gratitude for his former coach's guidance.Peter Lundgren's legacy extends beyond his own playing career and coaching accomplishments. He was a respected figure in the tennis world, known for his passion for the sport and his dedication to nurturing young talent. His passing is a significant loss for the tennis community and a reminder of the enduring impact that coaches can have on the lives of athletes.

Roger Federer: The Intimate Bond Between a Tennis Player and Their RacquetIn the realm of tennis, the relationship between a player and their racquet transcends mere equipment. It's a deeply personal connection, an extension of the self. This sentiment was eloquently expressed by Zendaya's character in the 2024 film "Challengers," describing a tennis match as a "relationship."Now, tennis legend Roger Federer has shed light on this intimate bond in an exclusive interview with Tennis Channel's Steve Weissman. Federer unveiled his groundbreaking RF Collection by Wilson, a line of innovative racquets and accessories inspired by his on-court brilliance and off-court style."It's a very personal relationship," Federer said of his signature Wilson racquets. "I've always called it an extension of your arm or hand, so it's super personal."This relationship, however, is not without its complexities. While the racquet is a player's trusted ally, it often bears the brunt of frustrations during intense matches."Every tennis player knows what I'm talking about," Federer explained. "You take care of it, you re-grip it. When you go into a match, you make sure the strings are where you want them to be...""You try not to break it, you try not to hurt it, but sometimes you get so mad at it and you think it's the racquet's mistake—but the racquet knows it's you."Despite these occasional outbursts, Federer and his racquet have forged an enduring bond. "Anyway, we've had a rocky relationship, but I think we're good friends, so it's all good!"If Federer's racquet could speak, it would undoubtedly express gratitude for being chosen as the instrument of his remarkable achievements. "I don't know, I just hope it'd be happy that I picked it up!" Federer mused.

Roger Federer, the legendary tennis icon, continues his global adventures with Uniqlo's "24 Hours with Roger" video series. After exploring iconic cities like Tokyo, Shanghai, London, and New York City, Federer recently embarked on a captivating journey through the City of Love, Paris.In the first episode, Federer delves into the world of ballet at the Palais Garnier. Guided by dance director José Martinez and étoile Léonore Baulac, he discovers the surprising similarities between ballet and tennis. Baulac observes Federer's graceful footwork and attempts to execute a chassé using a tennis racket.Next, Federer visits Fête le Mur, a tennis academy founded by Yannick Noah. Here, he interacts with young players from underprivileged communities, sharing his knowledge and inspiring them with his passion for the sport. Federer emphasizes the transformative power of tennis, noting that it goes beyond competition and becomes a way of life for these children.Finally, Federer meets with his friend, renowned DJ Bob Sinclar. Together, they embark on a musical journey, creating a "Roger mix" that captures the essence of Federer's historic Roland Garros 2009 victory. Sinclar overlays Federer's voice with an existing track, producing a captivating anthem that resonates with the crowd.Through these experiences, Federer not only showcases his love for tennis but also his appreciation for different cultures and art forms. He embraces the spirit of exploration, connecting with people from all walks of life and sharing his passion for excellence.

Coldplay's Tennis Obsession: Band Follows Tennis Stars on InstagramBritish rock band Coldplay has sparked a frenzy among tennis fans after following a slew of top players on Instagram. The band's manager, Phil Harvey, revealed his passion for the sport, prompting the additions to their exclusive following list.The initial wave of tennis stars included the legendary Big 4 of Roger Federer, Novak Djokovic, Rafael Nadal, and Andy Murray. Current greats such as Carlos Alcaraz, Aryna Sabalenka, and Jannik Sinner were also added.As the post gained traction, fans questioned the absence of world No. 1 Iga Swiatek, who had previously expressed admiration for Coldplay frontman Chris Martin. Harvey promptly followed Swiatek, bringing the total to 13 tennis players.In the days that followed, Coco Gauff, Emma Raducanu, Casper Ruud, and Serena Williams joined the fold. The players themselves seemed to acknowledge their new follower, with Stefanos Tsitsipas reposting a video from a Coldplay concert.Coldplay's "Music of the Spheres" world tour is set to resume in Europe soon, raising the possibility of tennis stars returning the favor by attending concerts. The band's newfound interest in tennis has delighted fans, who are eager to see if any collaborations or special events emerge from this unexpected connection.

Andy Murray, the legendary British tennis player, has announced that the upcoming Paris Olympics will mark the end of his illustrious career. As a tribute to his remarkable achievements, we present a countdown of his five most impressive career statistics, leading up to the tournament's commencement on Saturday.Today, we highlight Murray's extraordinary feat of defeating the "Big 3" of tennis—Roger Federer, Rafael Nadal, and Novak Djokovic—seven or more times each. This remarkable accomplishment sets him apart as the only player to have achieved such a feat against these tennis titans.Murray's head-to-head record against the Big 3 is a testament to his exceptional skill and unwavering determination. He has triumphed over Federer 11 times, Nadal 7 times, and Djokovic 11 times. No other player has managed to defeat each of these legends even six times.Murray's dominance over the Big 3 is further evident in his combined career wins against them. With 29 victories, he holds the record for the most combined wins over the trio outside of their own ranks. This statistic underscores his consistent ability to challenge and overcome the greatest players of his generation.The only other player to have achieved five or more career wins over each member of the Big 3 is Dominic Thiem, who has defeated Federer five times, Nadal six times, and Djokovic five times. However, Thiem is also retiring this year, leaving Murray as the sole player to have achieved this remarkable feat.Murray's legacy as a tennis great is cemented by his ability to compete with and defeat the best players in the world. His record against the Big 3 stands as a testament to his exceptional talent and unwavering determination. As he prepares for his final tournament, we celebrate his remarkable career and the indelible mark he has left on the sport of tennis.