Federer Makes an Appearance in Boston as the Laver Cup 2021 Kicks Off
Team Europe took a commanding 3-1 lead on the opening day at the TD Garden.
The fourth edition of the Laver Cup kicked off yesterday, and just like the previous years, it was Team Europe who got off to a better start, winning all 3 of their singles matches before Team USA picked up a point from the doubles.
With Federer and Nadal out injured, Djokovic regrouping in the Serbian mountains, a new-look team Europe with debutants Daniil Medvedev, Andrey Rublev, Casper Ruud and Matteo Berrettini joining Sascha Zverev and Stefanos Tsitsipas to complete the lineup.
However, while he is not fit to play, Federer was courtside on Day 1 to watch the opening days play and fulfilled several sponsor/media commitments.
Considering both Uniqlo and On Running were announced as clothing and shoe partners respectively last week, and he’s essentially the driving force behind the Laver Cup, it wasn’t a huge surprise to see him make the trip over the Atlantic along with Severin Luthi.
The Swiss has given a few small interviews, but these were purely around the Laver Cup itself and not his own rehabilitation schedule.
However, he’s still on crutches, at least some of the time. Mainly when the cameras aren’t rolling, so stepping back on the court looks to be a fair way off.
Will the Laver Cup Prove Popular in 2021?
This year looks to be the acid test for the Laver Cup, as with no Federer or Nadal in the team, it lacks that big name.
Last year’s cancellation also took away some momentum from the tournament, so I’m interested in seeing how it does with television audiences.
Based on the bits I saw of the first day, the crowd looked to be into it, and feedback on social media looks good so far.
The quality of tennis was also high, and the Rublev vs Schwartzman match had some quality shotmaking from both with the scoreboard constantly flipping.
I also wonder how popular it is proving in Russia, given their two biggest names are playing, albeit with not the friendliest time difference.
One thing I can never get behind, though, is the medical apartheid ticketing rules.
To enter, fans need proof of full vaccination at least 14 days after the second dose (yes, another medical definition has been rewritten, you are now only vaccinated 14 days after your second dose) or a negative test to prove your health status.
Fans also have to wear a mask inside except when eating or drinking. Because of The Science™.
I should note that these rules are enforced by the City of Boston and not the Laver Cup itself.
Had it been held in a country or state that isn’t practising epidemiological nonsense, of which there aren’t many, I’d like to think it would be open as normal, but who knows 🙂
Did you guys watch any of the Laver Cup opening day? Let me know your thoughts in the comments.
#GoRoger
Was Fed seen in the player’s box during any of matches or on red carpet only?
On Running should be temporarily renamed to Running On (Crutches) 😉
No, he was in the crowd. That’s when he had crutches.
And was wearing a mask?
Of course, rules are rules.
The mask is beige today and covering him from feet to hair 😉
I know it’s not new. But it is being used as a form of statistical manipulation.
And of course, has no reason behind it because it doesn’t prevent infection. I knew this a year ago, so did Pfizer which is why they set up the trial accordingly, and so did anyone else who bothered to read about the mechanism.
We now enter the pandemic of the vaccinated.
You will see what I mean in about 4 months. Back to tennis.
We can already see in DK, where almost all are vaccinated now and have been for some time – with all restrictions suspended
Wow, didn’t expect Roger to appear at Boston. He is still in crutches, its quite sad to watch him that way. Level of commitment to sponsors and LC is unparalleled. I hope for his speedy recovery. Can’t wait to see him competing at AO22
Yeah weird to see him limping around, no chance he plays AO 2022.
Yeah.. can forget about AO22, hope he can be ready for grass court. Its a weird feeling watching Roger in crutches, the image of my fave player is slightly smudged 😭😭😭
Thanks for the post, will try to watch some. Believe it or not, there is a 250 tourney starting this week in San Diego, my new home town, and I have tickets for the semi’s this weekend. Alas, however, no Fed of course! Rublev, Rudd, FAA, and Shapo are coming though. Having the Laver cup may have helped to get Rublev and Rudd here.
Yes, and then on to Indian Wells. Easier to stay in one country.
So nice to see Roger in crowd. I didn’t see the clips of him on clutches though. Laver Cup is always enjoyable.
You are right Sue. I was at Indian Wells a few weeks ago and got a private tour of the stadium by the pro shop lady who had nothing better to do!
San Diego is an amazing field for an ATP 250. Should be a great week.
Stuart, are you going to IW? I plan on going in March but who knows now. My friend in Cali is going and says ticket sales are down.
I saw three of the matches yesterday and enjoyed them. In Canada the sports channel is giving full coverage of the Laver Cup, with an introductory program hosted by Jim Courier and Barbara Schett-Eagle. Of course it helps that two Canadians, Auger-Aliassime and Shapovalov, are playing, but I think they give it good coverage every year.
It was hard to see Fed on crutches, but it looked like he was enjoying a chat with Rod Laver.
Yeah, I am looking forward to Shapo singles.
Well, that was routine for Medvedev. Bagel lol.
Not really. That was default “Shapo shining” 😉