The Laver Cup, a Ryder Cup-style tennis event, has returned to London, nine years after its inaugural year in Prague. The tournament, co-masterminded by Roger Federer, is now an official part of the tennis calendar, having previously been viewed as an adversary to other events.
Despite its established position, the Laver Cup continues to face financial scrutiny. Company accounts show an operating loss of £1.8m in Vancouver in 2023. In 2024, when held in Berlin, the event recorded an operating profit of £2k, but this included 'non-tournament revenue'; without this, it would have lost £1.5m.
The decision to return to London is likely influenced by the city's past success, with the 2022 event delivering an operating profit of £4.1m. Chicago 2021 was the best-performing event, making £4.9m. Organisers aim for the Laver Cup to achieve a status similar to the Ryder Cup, though this is considered difficult.
While arguments persist over whether the Laver Cup is an exhibition, it is described as a special event due to arbitrary invitations, convoluted rules, and the absence of ranking points. However, it has facilitated high-quality tennis and tightly contested matches, providing entertainment and a unique interlude in the gruelling tennis season.
With less star power on the tour today compared to its early years, the current iteration of the Laver Cup is led by Carlos Alcaraz.