Because of money & Federer: That’s why Djokovic is missing from the Laver Cup

In the tennis team competition between Europe and a world selection, Casper Ruud lost the opening match on Friday in front of around 15,000 spectators against the Argentinian Francisco Cerundolo. Stefanos Tsitsipas then scored points for Team Europe against Thanasi Kokkinakis and Grigor Dimitrov against Alejandro Tabilo, while Taylor Fritz and Ben Shelton equalized in the doubles against Carlos Alcaraz/Alexander Zverev. The matches will take place at the weekend, with victories on Saturday counting double and on Sunday triple. The first to reach 13 points wins. After European victories in the events, the world selection has recently won twice.

With Novak Djokovic and Jannik Sinner, Team Europe is missing not only the best tennis player of all time, but also the current number 1 in the world. Rafael Nadal also had to cancel his participation. The team is led by local hero Alexander Zverev and young star Carlos Alcaraz. But Djokovic’s absence in particular raises questions. Insiders report that the reasons are extremely controversial.

Dispute over money

The Serb has been campaigning for a fair distribution of prize money for years so that younger and less successful players can also make a living from the sport. At the Laver Cup, there are no points for the world rankings, but there is hefty prize money. Each player on the winning team receives 250,000 euros, and the event, co-organized by retired tennis player Roger Federer, is said to cost even more just to take part. Alexander Zverev and Carlos Alcaraz, for example, are said to have received seven-figure sums for their commitment to play.

While two top players from Europe did not accept the invitation, the world selection is competing with its best line-up. While Jannik Sinner has never taken part in the continental comparison, Djokovic has done so twice (2018, 2022). However, he was not really successful there. In addition, the record Grand Slam winner would like to concentrate on the Majors and appearances in his home country in the future.

Tense relationship

In addition, Djokovic has probably had a strained relationship with initiator and long-time rival Roger Federer for years. In 2023, the Serb caused a stir in an interview. “We were never friends, that’s not possible between rivals, but we were never enemies either.”

In 2022, he only took part in the tournament to avoid making negative headlines. At that time, Federer gave his farewell performance on the big tennis stage. The absence of his long-time rival would have caused a huge stir.

Double standards when it comes to money

While competing in the well-funded exhibition tournament does not paint a good picture for Djokovic, he had fewer concerns in other situations. With his Professional Tennis Players Association (PTPA), founded in 2022, the 37-year-old is fighting for a fair distribution of prize money. “It’s not about me, but about those players who are lower in the rankings and can no longer afford to travel with a coach.” “People don’t realize how expensive this sport is,” Djokovic explained in 2023.

However, the date in mid-October is contradictory to the engagement. At the “Six Kings Slam” in Saudi Arabia, Djokovic received $1.5 million for his appearance alone. The winner of the elite show event was in line for an additional $6 million.