The co-creator of the Laver Cup has revealed that he hopes to “work something out” and create a women’s version of the tournament.
The Ryder Cup-style team event is the brainchild of Roger Federer and his agent, Tony Godsick. And Godsick confirmed they aren’t looking to add WTA players to the existing format but instead hope to create an all-women’s version.
Off the back of his comments, Express Sport has taken a look at what a female Laver Cup would look like.
If and when a female Laver Cup does come to fruition, the teams would arguably be more tight than they currently are in the men’s edition. Team Europe are often the favourites – Europeans currently boast nine of the top 10 and there has not been a non-European Grand Slam champion since 2009.
There are plenty of talented Americans who could represent Team World in a women’s version including Coco Gauff and Jessica Pegula, who also have all-important doubles experience. Brazil’s Beatriz Haddad Maia and Tunisian star Ons Jabeur would also be options.
Team Europe could boast world No. 1 Iga Swiatek and three-time Grand Slam champion Aryna Sabalenka. And Emma Raducanu could make an appearance as the Brit thrives in the team atmosphere at the Billie Jean King Cup.
The Laver Cup is named after Rod Laver who completed the Calendar Grand Slam – winning all four Majors in a single year – twice. If the women’s edition needs a different title, Steffi Graf is the obvious namesake. The German is the only player in history to achieve the Golden Slam – winning the four Majors plus an Olympic gold medal in one season.
As for the team captains, the likes of Billie Jean King, Chris Evert or Martina Navratilova could head up the World squad while Martina Hingis or Justine Henin might work in the role for Europe.
It remains to be seen whether a women’s Laver Cup does come to fruition. For now, Godsick is hoping to perfect the current product. “In terms of the women’s Laver Cup, we’re going to get this one right first. We’re going to keep building it. Our goal is to be like the Ryder Cup, and the Ryder Cup has a 90-year head start on us,” he said.
