Roger Federer and Alexander Zverev create ‘buzz’ ahead of Laver Cup
ROGER FEDERER and Alexander Zverev took part in their first Laver Cup practice session yesterday which created a “buzz” around Chicago, says Australian tennis CEO Craig Tiley.
Federer and Zverev are gearing up for their first action since the US Open - of which both men failed to reach the quarter-finals.
But they will team up to try and help Team Europe beat Team World for the second successive year.
The competition, which is only in it’s second season, is taking place in Chicago for the first time.
And Tiley witnessed first-hand the impact it has on the local community after the training session at the United Centre - home of the Chicago Bulls.
“Well they are excited and the place was packed with kids,” Tiley told CLTV news.
“It is not often that the club gets to see Roger Federer hit up against Sacha Zverev.
“They were there at the club and playing against all the club members as well.
“It’s a special time for Chicago.
“We haven’t had as much tennis in Chicago recently so to bring this event, the first time in America and to come to this city, it is a great opportunity for the city.
“I know there is a buzz because there are very few tickets left.
“We are encouraging our fans to go on lavercup.com, there are a still left to get but not many.”
The three-day tournament gets underway on Friday.
Laver Cup 2018 teams
Team Europe
Captain: Bjorn Borg; vice-captain: Thomas Enqvist
Squad: Roger Federer, Novak Djokovic, Alexander Zverev, Grigor Dimitrov, David Goffin, Kyle Edmund
Team World
Captain: John McEnroe; vice-captain: Patrick McEnroe
Squad: Kevin Anderson, John Isner, Diego Schwartzman, Jack Sock, Nick Kyrgios, Frances Tiafoe