2021 Wimbledon finalist Matteo Berrettini and American tennis star Tommy Paul have been announced as alternates at this year’s Laver Cup. Berrettini, 26, will be an alternate for Team Europe. Berrettini made his Laver Cup debut last year, when he helped Team Europe defeat Team World in Boston.
On the other side, 25-year-old Paul – who will be an alternate for Team World – has no previous appearances at the Laver Cup. In case a player from Team Europe or Team World withdraws or is forced to pull out due to an injury, Berrettini and Paul would jump in as replacements.
In an interview with Swiss newspaper Blick, Federer’s fitness coach Pierre Paganini raised some concerns over the Swiss’ Laver Cup participation. “He will probably decide that at the last moment. He’s trained to have as much information as possible about whether it’s a good idea or not,” Paganini said.
Berrettini, Paul set to be a part of Roger Federer’s final tournament
On Thursday, 20-time Grand Slam champion Federer announced the Laver Cup would be his final tournament. Berrettini, who grew up watching and idolizing Federer, would certainly love to see the Swiss go out with one final victory.
Since 2017, there have been four Laver Cup editions. So far, Team Europe has never lost to Team World. Federer, 41, has been a part of Team Europe in three of their four wins. “I’ve worked hard to return to full competitive form.
But I also know my body’s capacities and limits, and its message to me lately has been clear. I’m 41 years old. I have played more than 1500 matches over 24 years. Tennis has treated me more generously than I ever would have dreamt, and now I must recognize when it is time to end my competitive career.
The Laver Cup next week in London will be my final ATP event. I will play more tennis in the future, of course, but just not in Grand Slams or on the tour,” Federer announced. Federer’s team has indicated that the Swiss isn’t really sure for how much he will play at the Laver Cup. However, tennis fans are rooting for Federer to play as many matches as he can during the Laver Cup.
