The 2026 Laver Cup in London proved three things: tennis needs more joy and camaraderie, London needs more top-level tennis, and that this event has the possibility to be even greater.
Team Europe reclaimed the trophy on Sunday, beating defending champions Team World 13-5 after US Open champion Alexander Zverev defeated Learner Tien 7-6 (7-3), 6-3.
Five sold-out sessions across three days underlined London’s appetite for tennis beyond its short grass-court summer.
The late-September timing worked perfectly, with sunshine and a free outdoor Fan Zone drawing even more supporters.
The Laver Cup turns an individual sport into a team contest, making rivals team-mates in Europe versus the World.
Its “tennis unrivalled” tagline fits: the coaching, laughter and chemistry on the benches are as compelling as the matches. Andre Agassi chest-pumped, skipped around the court and even impersonated Zverev crying at press conferences.
Why it works
Team Europe vice-captain Tim Henman summed up why the format works.
“When I reflect on the Laver Cup, we’ve got plenty of history and tradition in our sport, but we also need innovation.
“You see the intensity, the rivalry between these individual athletes, this is what tennis needs”.
As an exhibition, of course the Laver Cup prioritises entertainment. Players receive appearance fees, ranking points are not at stake, matches are shorter and there are no 03.33 finishes – like at the recent US Open.
That is a welcome contrast to an ATP Tour criticised for longer Masters events, late-night scheduling and too little recovery time.
Carlos Alcaraz is among those calling for fewer tournaments to protect players’ health. Yet elite athletes are wired to win and defeat still hurts. So it is still compelling to watch.
Above all, the Laver Cup reminded players and fans that tennis needs more joy.
At a time when the sport is battling to retain younger audiences, staging it at the 20 000-capacity O2, home of the London 2012 Olympic tennis finals, gave it the biggest possible platform.
Accessible
It also made world-class tennis feel accessible.
While the recent US Open grounds passes were resold from an eye-watering $256 (R4 270), Laver Cup sessions started at just £27 (R595), with advance three-day tickets at £186 (R4 100).
A partnership with the Mayor of London provided 3 000 free or reduced-cost tickets, while the Fan Zone screened every match free outside, with all the atmosphere, food and drinks stands and all. This was tennis for everyone.
Its appeal is also multi-generational. Current players ranged from 19-year-old Rafael Jodar to world No 1 Zverev, 29, while legends Andre Agassi and Yannick Noah led Team World and Team Europe, assisted by Pat Rafter and Tim Henman. Roger Federer was ubiquitous, alongside the man whose name anchors the event: 88-year-old Australian great Rod Laver.
Legacy
At a press conference, I asked Carlos Alcaraz what Laver’s legacy meant to him. He said: “I’m just trying to make the most of the time that I’m here in the Laver Cup to talk a little bit with him and it’s great, obviously I haven’t watched him, obviously but having such a legend around and for the players to be around him, I think it’s such a privilege. I’m really happy that this event is happening and that he’s coming to support it”.
Fellow Australian Alex de Minaur said: “Rod was a trendsetter. What he’s done for the sport is second to none for all of us Aussies growing up. You know, we understood what he did, what he did for the rest of us, for our whole culture. I’ve been fortunate enough to have some pretty special moments with Rod over the years. He presented me my Davis Cup jacket when I made my debut, and that was a pretty special moment. Just to see him still appreciate tennis and do so much for this sport still at his age is pretty special. I’m glad that this tournament is named after him, and hopefully we can keep it going for a long time”.
The event also drew major names from entertainment and sport, including Leonardo DiCaprio, Seal, Jon Bon Jovi, Jeff Goldblum, Thierry Henry, Andy Murray, Anna Wintour, Ian McKellen and John McEnroe.
Still, nothing has matched London 2022, when Federer retired and the “big four” shared a team. The moment was so iconic that “RF” caps and T-shirts sold out and were flipped online for four or five times their retail price.
That was peak Laver Cup, but the event can climb higher. Federer’s long-time business partner, Tony Godsick, has said it is a matter of when, not if, Federer becomes a captain. Fans would pay just to watch the maestro, even if courtside. The harder question is who Team World could put opposite him.
Possibilities are endless
Adding women could take it further still. Europe and the World could call on stars such as Elena Rybakina, Coco Gauff, Aryna Sabalenka and Jessica Pegula. Imagine Steffi Graf captaining the women opposite Agassi. Or Martina Navratilova, Monica Seles or Jennifer Capriati taking a seat on the bench. The possibilities are endless.
The Laver Cup heads to Los Angeles next year while the wider sport remains under strain. Whether the main tour changes, remains to be seen. Until then, this event offers players and fans something tennis badly needs: lightness, connection and joy. And a lot can happen in one year.
Amisha Savani is reporting exclusively for The South African from the 2026 Laver Cup in London
