LONDON — Casper Ruud says Team Europe are hoping to win the 2026 Laver Cup to avenge the defeat Roger Federer suffered in his last ever match.
The Laver Cup is back in London for the first time since 2022, when the competition that pits six players from Team Europe against six from Team World, had it’s defining moment across the eight editions so far.
It proved to be Federer’s last ever match as he partnered with Rafael Nadal for one last doubles match that left everyone in tears come the final goodbyes.
LIVE: Laver Cup 2026 latest scores and results from London’s 02
“Yeah, it feels special. When I came to
the arena on Tuesday and had my first practice, I
remember when I came on court four years ago, we were
there watching Roger have his ceremony and held his
speech,” Ruud said.
“His family was around. I think everyone in the
stadium was trying to hold back the tears but couldn’t,
including myself and all the players involved.
“I saw all my heroes on one court crying, in tears,
because one of the legends was retiring, so hard to
describe in words how emotional it was, but yeah, it also
leaves a little bit of motivation to add a little bit, avenge
the loss that we had in 2022, and we’re back here.
Shirts off for Fedal. #LaverCup | @usopen | @cameroncheers pic.twitter.com/D8NGhBiP7E
— Laver Cup (@LaverCup) September 23, 2022
“Maybe we can try to win for Roger this time in the O2.”
Team World won the Laver Cup for the first time in 2022 as they recorded a 13-8 win. They also won in San Francisco last time out, but Team Europe boast the overall advantage, winning five titles compared to World’s 3.
Ruud will be hoping to get Team Europe off to a flying start when he takes on Francisco Cerundolo in the opening session on Friday.
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