Since its inception in 2017, the Laver Cup has quickly become a highlight of the tennis calendar, providing fans with a unique team format that pits the best of Europe against the rest of the world. The event, designed to honour Rod Laver, is a refreshing change from the individualism of the tour. But as the event evolves and expands, some have raised the question: should women be added to the Laver Cup?
The inclusion of women in the Laver Cup could offer exciting possibilities for both the event itself and the sport at large, but it also brings certain challenges that need careful consideration.
Women’s tennis has a rich history of legendary matchups and iconic champions, from Serena Williams to Steffi Graf. Their presence or influence, even symbolically, would add a new layer of legacy to the event. Having team captains such as Martina Navratilova and Billie Jean King and young female players like Coco Gauff and Iga Swiatek would bring a new level of excitement and interest that could complement the men’s competition.
Historically, combined events like Grand Slams and the Olympics have proven that showcasing men and women together elevates the overall experience. The Laver Cup, as a prime-time team competition, would likely benefit from the buzz and increased viewership that women’s participation could bring. The success of team formats like the Billie Jean King Cup (formerly Fed Cup) shows that fans are eager to support women’s team tennis, and combining it with the Laver Cup’s dynamic platform could help grow the women’s game even more.
Adding women to the Laver Cup would immediately introduce compelling new rivalries and dynamics. Imagine pairing a fiery competitor like Aryna Sabalenka alongside Carlos Alcaraz in a mixed-doubles match against Francis Tiafoe and Coco Gauff. The mix of personalities and playing styles could lead to fascinating matchups that would provide fans with a more diverse range of tennis than ever before.
One of the main hurdles to a combined event would be aligning the event with the women’s calendar. The WTA schedule is already packed, especially toward the end of the season when the Laver Cup takes place. With tournaments like the WTA Finals looming, adding yet another commitment might overextend top female players. The Laver Cup could either risk losing key players or find itself struggling to attract the same high level of talent that the men’s side does.
One of the biggest appeals of the Laver Cup is its simplicity - two teams, six men on each side, battling it out over three days. Introducing women could complicate this well-established format. How would teams be structured? Would the event include mixed doubles, and how would those matches fit into the point system? Balancing men’s and women’s participation without diluting the existing intensity of the tournament would be a delicate task.
There’s also the question of star power. The Laver Cup’s allure has been largely driven by the “Big Three” (Federer, Nadal, Djokovic). Without a similar female trio of dominant champions (particularly in an era where parity defines the women’s game), would adding women risk diminishing the event’s prestige or the level of competition?
Expanding the Laver Cup to include women would involve a considerable increase in logistical demands. Venues, sponsors, and broadcasters would all need to adjust to the added complexity of an expanded event. The tournament’s structure, already a well-oiled machine, would require substantial reworking. Financial considerations are paramount too as without investors the event wouldn’t exist. Would the increased investment yield an adequate return in terms of sponsorships, ticket sales, and viewership?
There’s no doubt that the idea of adding women to the Laver Cup is an enticing one. It presents the opportunity to create a more inclusive event that better reflects the global appeal of tennis. It could lead to some unforgettable mixed-gender matchups and provide a unique platform to promote women’s tennis.
But at the same time, the tournament’s identity is rooted in its format and the exclusivity of its original design. Overhauling the structure to accommodate women could risk losing what has made the Laver Cup so compelling in its current form. There is nothing to stop a keen investor from copying the format to make a similar event for women. If successful perhaps then a merger of the events could be considered.
Ultimately, the decision to integrate women into the Laver Cup will depend on whether organisers believe that change can enhance what is already a successful event. Will adding female players equate to 2x the profit for investors? Will it be more like 1.5x? Or could it be 3x? At just seven years of age we will be keenly observing little LC’s growth and evolution.
Coach’s Tip: Mastering serve consistency
The serve is one of the most crucial shots in tennis, yet many players overlook the importance of consistency over power. Focus on refining your serve by aiming for accuracy and rhythm rather than trying to blast every ball past your opponent.
Here’s a drill to help: during practice, aim for specific targets in each service box such as the left or right side of either service box. Hit 10 serves in a row to the same spot without worrying about power. The goal is to hit at least seven out of 10 serves within your target area. Over time, gradually increase your pace while maintaining control. By prioritising placement, you’ll create a serve that not only puts your opponent on the defensive but also reduces double faults.
Consistency breeds confidence, and with a reliable serve, you’ll feel more comfortable taking risks in other areas of your game. See you on the court!
Dan Barrie is the tennis director at Bahrain Tennis Academy and is a Racquet Sports Professionals Association (RSPA) elite professional. Connect with him via Instagram @bahrain_tennis_academy.
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