"Roger Federer owns the event" - Andy Roddick on being asked to become Team World ambassador at Laver Cup 2023
Andy Roddick apparently denied a recent fan request to join Team World as an ambassador while Roger Federer attended the Laver Cup in Vancouver, Canada, in support of Team Europe.
Federer and Roddick have been part of one of the most celebrated rivalries in tennis. The duo have played against each other 24 times before the American hung his racket up in 2012. The Swiss Maestro leads the head-to-head count 21-3.
Since his retirement, Roddick has made several appearances at tennis events. He was recently seen enjoying matches at the 2023 US Open and also presented the men's singles winner's trophy to Novak Djokovic on September 10 in New York.
A fan on the internet urged the 41-year-old to headline the ongoing Laver Cup tournament in Vancouver as Team World's ambassador in response to Federer's advocacy for Team Europe.
"Hey Andy, Roger is in Vancouver supporting Team Europe. Why don’t you come as ambassador for Team World!!" the fan tweeted.
The 2003 US Open winner replied:
"Roger owns the event ……."
Laver Cup's Team World has been predominately represented by American tennis players. During the inaugural event, it had four players from the USA, including Sam Querrey, John Isner, Jack Sock, and Frances Tiafoe.
Isner, Sock, and Tiafoe returned for the 2018 edition, but Taylor Fritz replaced Tiafoe the next year. In 2021, Isner and Reilly Opelka joined forces with other mates of Team World.
Last year, Fritz, Tiafoe, and Sock competed at the event which was also Roger Federer's last professional appearance in tennis. This year, Fritz and Tiafoe, Ben Shelton, and Tommy Paul constitute the American entourage. John McEnroe has been the captain of Team World since 2017.
"Don't sweat it, it's just another carpet" - Roger Federer advises young players at Laver Cup
Roger Federer shared some words of wisdom with the younger generation of tennis players during the Laver Cup Black Carpet event in Vancouver, Canada. He advised them to not be nervous and to treat the event's carpet as a regular carpet at their homes. The Swiss said during a press interaction:
"Don't sweat it, it's just another carpet. You know like at home, like you walk on carpets at home"
The 20-time Grand Slam champion further instructed the young lot to not be owned by what they are wearing.
"So try not to overthink the moment and try to wear the tuxedo you're wearing or the suit and not let the suit wear you. That's the biggest advice I can give, you know," he added.