What Is the Laver Cup?
The Laver Cup is a three-day team tennis competition that pits Team Europe against Team World on indoor hard courts. The 2026 edition takes place at The O2 in London, England, from 25 to 27 September. Co-founded by Roger Federer and his management company Team8, the event is named after Australian legend Rod Laver and has become one of the most popular fixtures on the tennis calendar since its debut in 2017.
The Laver Cup’s unique format, electric atmosphere, and emphasis on team spirit set it apart from the individual nature of most professional tennis. Six players on each side compete in singles and doubles across three days, with a scoring system where points increase in value each day, ensuring the outcome often comes down to the final matches on Sunday.
When Is the Laver Cup 2026?
The Laver Cup runs from Friday 25 September to Sunday 27 September 2026. Three sessions are played on Friday and Saturday (two day, one night), with the final session on Sunday afternoon. The escalating points system (one point per match on Friday, two on Saturday, three on Sunday) means dramatic final-day comebacks are a regular feature.
Where Is It Held?
The O2 in London is the host venue for the 2026 Laver Cup. One of the world’s busiest and most iconic entertainment arenas, The O2 has a 20,000-seat capacity and has hosted the ATP Finals multiple times. Its location on the Greenwich Peninsula provides excellent transport links via the Jubilee line, DLR, and Thames Clipper river bus. London hosts the Laver Cup for the first time in 2026.
Key Contenders
Team Europe has dominated the Laver Cup, and its 2026 roster is expected to include Carlos Alcaraz, Jannik Sinner, Alexander Zverev, Daniil Medvedev, and Stefanos Tsitsipas. The depth of European men’s tennis gives captain Bjorn Borg’s successors an embarrassment of riches to choose from.
Team World, captained by John McEnroe’s successor, looks to talents like Taylor Fritz, Ben Shelton, Felix Auger-Aliassime, and Frances Tiafoe. The World team has steadily closed the gap on Europe, claiming its first Laver Cup victory in 2022 in London, and will be determined to prove that result was no anomaly.
How to Watch
The Laver Cup is broadcast on Tennis Channel in North America and Eurosport/Discovery+ across Europe. In the United Kingdom, coverage has previously been available on Eurosport and Discovery+. The event’s social media channels provide extensive highlights and behind-the-scenes content throughout the weekend.
History
The Laver Cup debuted in Prague in 2017, the brainchild of Roger Federer and his long-time agent Tony Godsick. Team Europe won the first five editions before Team World broke through in 2022. The 2022 event in London was notable for being Roger Federer’s final professional match, a doubles alongside Rafael Nadal that produced one of the most emotional moments in tennis history.
The event has been held in Prague, Chicago, Geneva, Boston, London, Vancouver, and Berlin. Its deliberately compact format and theatrical presentation, including a distinctive black court and team benches at courtside, have made it a fan favourite and a broadcast success.
Tickets and Hospitality
Tickets are available through the Laver Cup’s official website and The O2’s ticketing platform. Session tickets are offered for each of the five sessions across the three days, along with multi-session packages and premium hospitality options. The O2’s corporate suites and premium lounges provide an elevated experience. Tickets sell quickly given the event’s popularity and The O2’s proven tennis audience.
Frequently Asked Questions
How does the Laver Cup scoring system work?
Each match won on Friday is worth one point, Saturday matches are worth two points, and Sunday matches are worth three points. The first team to reach 13 points wins the Laver Cup. This system means the event can swing dramatically on the final day.
How are the teams selected?
Each team comprises six players. The top ranked eligible players are selected, with each captain also making discretionary picks. Team Europe draws from players with European nationality, while Team World includes players from all other nations.
Is the Laver Cup an official ATP event?
The Laver Cup is officially sanctioned by the ATP but does not carry ranking points. It is classified as a team exhibition event with official status, similar in positioning to the Hopman Cup in its later years.
How do I get to The O2?
The O2 is on the Greenwich Peninsula in south-east London. The nearest station is North Greenwich on the Jubilee line, a short walk from the arena. Thames Clipper river buses also serve the venue from central London piers.