The fifth edition of the Team World vs Team Europe Laver Cup competition event kicks off Friday afternoon in London. The first glance headlines for the 2022 edition of The Laver Cup are obvious:
-Roger Federer announced that this event concludes his career as a ATP Tour level player.
-Federer, Rafael Nadal, Novak Djokovic and Andy Murray will appear as four teammates for the first and last time.
-For the first time, Nick Kyrgios will not play in The Laver Cup.
–Team Europe is expected to win for the 5th straight time.
After winning the first four editions of this event, and trouncing Team World 14-1 in 2021, Team Europe enters as the clear betting favorite.
Team Numbers Below The Headlines
After moving past the clear headlines, there are some eye-catching numbers that help breakdown the match up between Team Europe and Team World. Team Europe consists of Federer, Nadal, Djokovic, Murray, Casper Ruud and Stefanos Tsitsipas. Bjorn Borg again will serve as Team Captain
Team World’s roster includes Taylor Fritz, Felix Auger-Aliassime, Diego Schwartzman, Frances Tiafoe, Alex de Minaur and Jack Sock. John McEnroe captains the visitors in London. The makeup and careers of the the two teams could not be more different. A look at the numbers:
Average Age: Team Europe-32.3 years , Team World-25.3 years
Team Members 35 years old or older: Team Europe-4, Team World-0
Grand Slam Singles Winners: Team Europe-4, Team World -0
Grand Slam Singles Finalists: Team Europe 6, Team World -0
Grand Slam Singles Titles: Team Europe-65, Team World-0. Yes, Team Europe holds 65 Grand Slam Singles Titles!
Record in Grand Slam Singles Finals: Team Europe-65-40, Team World-0-0
Team Europe, led by the legendary Big 3 of Federer, Nadal, and Djokovic brings an almost unbelievable set of career statistics into the 2022 Laver Cup Matches. This all-time All-Star team may not have their legendary players at the peak of their powers, but their collection of experience is undeniable.
Laver Cup Records
At the same time, a look at Laver Cup records amassed after 4 editions of the event shows a mix of old-time talent and newer stars. While historic Laver Cup stalwarts Nick Kyrgios, John Isner (Team World) and Alex Zverev (Team Europe) will not compete in London, highlighting their records and those of other past and current participants helps paint a picture of a growing Fall tradition.
Again, a look at the Laver Cup numbers:
Most Matches Played: Roger Federer and Alexander Zverev, Team Europe-11, John Isner and Jack Sock, Team World-12
Most Matches Won: Roger Federer, Alexander Zverev, Team Europe-8, Jack Sock, Team World-8
Most Doubles Matches Won: Alexander Zverev, Andrey Rublev, Team Europe-2, Jack Sock, Team World-7
Most Singles Matches Won: Roger Federer, Alexander Zverev, Team Europe-6, John Isner, Team World-3
Most Laver Cup Matches Lost: Roger Federer, Alexander Zverev, Rafael Nadal, Team Europe-3, John Isner, Team World-6
Most Matches Played Without a Win: Tomas Berdych, Team Europe-3, Sam Querrey, Team World-3
Wins/Losses as Team Captain: Bjorn Borg, Team Europe-4 Wins, John McEnroe, Team World-4 Losses
Time To Play
Before the first matches in 2017, tennis fans and pundits alike did not know what to expect. By the end Day 1 of the 2017 matches in Prague, all who were paying attention knew the players came to The Laver Cup to win, this event is no hit and giggle exhibition. Despite their dominance, Team Europe knows they have much to lose in Federer’s last ATP level event. Despite losing 14-1 last year, Team World knows anything can happen in The Laver Cup atmosphere. Look to Friday’s first matches to set the tone, the 2022 Laver Cup is almost here.
