The ninth edition of the Laver Cup will take place in London, United Kingdom, from Friday September 25 to Sunday, September 27.
Tennis legend Roger Federer helped create the Laver Cup in 2017 and made four appearances, winning eight of his 12 matches. He retired from active competition in London four years ago, but will return to the O2 Arena as a spectator in 2026.
But who is Federer most looking forward to watching at this year’s Laver Cup? He answered that very question during a recent interview.
Roger Federer is looking forward to watching Learner Tien at the Laver Cup
“I wouldn’t say I have a specific match I’m looking forward to. I just like seeing maybe some players I’ve never seen before playing live for the first time. Like Learner Tien, as an example. I’m looking forward to seeing him make his Laver Cup debut,” Federer told ‘The Tennis Pass‘.
Which player do you think will perform the best at the Laver Cup this year?
And who do you think will win – Team Europe or Team World?
“Always a pleasure to see [Carlos] Alcaraz play. And also, I must say, [Alexander] Zverev, with his two Slams this year – his finals also at Wimbledon – he’s been on an incredible run, and it will be great to see him play live again.”
2026 Grand Slam winners
- Australian Open – Carlos Alcaraz
- French Open – Alexander Zverev
- Wimbledon – Jannik Sinner
- US Open – Alexander Zverev (2)
Federer is excited to see Learner Tien make his Laver Cup debut in London. The young American has impressed many in 2026, breaking into the world’s top 15. Tien reached the Indian Wells quarter-finals and the Australian Open quarter-finals, reached the semi-finals of the Canadian Open, and won his second ATP title in Geneva, Federer’s home country.
He is also looking forward to watching Alcaraz make his third consecutive appearance and to seeing Zverev play the Laver Cup for the first time as a Grand Slam champion.
Roger Federer says Team Europe are the Laver Cup favourites
Team Europe are record five-time winners, but Team World won last year’s Laver Cup in San Francisco. Federer has now named his favourite for the 2026 competition.
“Team World has been really strong in the last years, definitely not to be underestimated, even though, on paper, Team Europe seems like the favourites, that’s my take,” he said.
“As we don’t quite know the matchups and line-ups yet, while I’m speaking, I’d pick Team Europe. Playing at home here in Europe, I think they’re going to be in better shape. That’s just my personal opinion.”
Team Europe have two of the world’s top three, Carlos Alcaraz and Alexander Zverev, on board this year. Team World, however, won’t have any top-five players after world number four Ben Shelton withdrew.
2026 Laver Cup – Team Europe
- Captain – Yannick Noah
- Vice-captain – Tim Henman
| Player | Country | ATP Rank | Laver Cup record |
| Alexander Zverev | Germany | 2 | 9-7 (56%) |
| Carlos Alcaraz | Spain | 3 | 6-2 (75%) |
| Flavio Cobolli | Italy | 7 | 0-1 (0%) |
| Rafael Jodar | Spain | 14 | – |
| Jakub Mensik | Czechia | 15 | 2-1 (67%) |
| Casper Ruud | Norway | 17 | 6-3 (67%) |
| Arthur Fery (Alternate) | Great Britain | 36 | – |
2026 Laver Cup – Team World
- Captain – Andre Agassi
- Vice-captain – Pat Rafter
| Player | Country | ATP Rank | Laver Cup record |
| Alex de Minaur | Australia | 9 | 4-1 (80%) |
| Taylor Fritz | USA | 10 | 7-3 (70%) |
| Learner Tien | USA | 13 | – |
| Brandon Nakashima | USA | 16 | – |
| Alexander Bublik | Kazakhstan | 21 | – |
| Francisco Cerundolo | Argentina | 22 | 3-1 (75%) |
| Ignacio Buse (Alternate) | Peru | 35 | – |
Perhaps the likes of Alex de Minaur and Taylor Fritz can step up in Shelton’s absence and retain the Laver Cup title for Team World. Only time will tell…
Three singles matches and one doubles match will be played on day one of the Laver Cup (Friday, September 25), each worth one point.
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