WATCH: Roger Federer all smiles as he acknowledges roaring applause from Laver Cup crowd during gripping Grigor Dimitrov-Alejandro Tabilo clash
Cameras captured Roger Federer enjoying the gripping 2024 Laver Cup Day 1 clash between Grigor Dimitrov and Alejandro Tabilo on Friday, September 20. The former World No. 1 was soon shown on the giant courtside screens in the Uber Arena in Berlin, Germany. Unsurprisingly, the crowd in attendance broke out in roaring applause for the Swiss, and he warmly soaked up all the love.
Dimitrov, of Team Europe, and Tabilo, of Team World, played out an absorbing contest that the Bulgarian ultimately won 7-6(4), 7-6(2). For much of the match, it was a tight affair, with both players producing moments of sheer brilliance with their powerful serves and athletic court coverage. It also marked an important win at the time for the European contingent as they established a 2-1 lead over Team World.
During the enthralling encounter, Roger Federer was seen reveling in the show that Dimitrov and Tabilo put on. As his face appeared on the Uber Arena's courtside screens, he received a warm round of applause from the crowd. All smiles, the now-retired 20-time Grand Slam champion gave them a big thumbs up.
Watch the Swiss acknowledging the loud 2024 Laver Cup crowd below:
Unfortunately for Team Europe though, the lead given to them by Dimitrov's win didn't last long. Carlos Alcaraz and Alexander Zverev, the high-profile doubles pairing representing Europe, were later downed by the all-American duo of Taylor Fritz and Ben Shelton. As things stand, Day 2 will start with the two teams all square at 2-2.
Meanwhile, exciting times seem to be in store for Roger Federer and the rest of the Laver Cup ownership and administrative team. The ATP Tour recently announced that it is extending its partnership with the team tennis event, much to the delight of the former World No. 1.
"I'm incredibly proud of what we've built with Laver Cup" - Roger Federer
From its third edition in 2019, the Laver Cup became an ATP Tour-sanctioned affair, which marked a massive boost for the event. Even though players don't earn ranking points from Laver Cup wins and the tournament is widely regarded as an exhibition, a sense of both competition and brotherhood has been fostered by it, making it a unique competition.
Following the ATP's recent announcement that it is extending its partnership with the Laver Cup for a further five years, Roger Federer, who came up with the initial idea for the event, expressed his pride over the strides that it has made over the years.
"I’m incredibly proud of what we’ve built with the Laver Cup, Becoming recognised as part of the ATP Tour five years ago was an important milestone. It’s been fantastic to see the way players, partners and fans around the globe have embraced Laver Cup. I’m excited for its future," Federer told ATPTour.com.
The Laver Cup will also go down as the event where the 20-time Major winner tearfully retired from tennis, with his last match ending in a defeat alongside great rival Rafael Nadal in doubles.