The 2025 edition of the Laver Cup marked a turning point for Roger Federer’s flagship tennis event. For the third consecutive year, none of the Big 3—Federer, Rafael Nadal, or Novak Djokovic—featured in the lineup, raising questions about the tournament’s star power and sustainability. Created in honor of Rod Laver and modeled after the Ryder Cup, the Laver Cup was envisioned as a team-based spectacle that would energize the sport. But despite Federer’s relentless efforts behind the scenes, the event is now grappling with serious financial setbacks.
Federer’s post-retirement life still revolves around tennis
Though retired from professional play, Federer remains deeply involved in the sport. From celebrating FC Basel’s championship win with his sons to attending tributes for Nadal at Roland Garros, his schedule reflects a life still tethered to tennis. He continues to recruit talent, engage sponsors, and serve as the face of the Laver Cup. Yet, even his global influence hasn’t shielded the tournament from economic turbulence.
The rise and fall of a premium tennis brand
Initially, the Laver Cup thrived on elite backing. With support from the Australian and American tennis federations, billionaire Jorge Paulo Lemann, and luxury sponsors like Rolex, UBS, Mercedes, Moët