LAVER CUP Press Release, August 23, 2018
The beautiful lakeside city of Geneva will host the newest event in world tennis, the Laver Cup from September 20-22 2019.
“It’s an honor to be able to bring this very special event, the Laver Cup, to Geneva, one of the most spectacular cities in the world,” Tony Godsick, Chairman, Laver Cup and President and CEO of TEAM8 said as he made the announcement today.
“Switzerland’s central European location will also make the Laver Cup accessible to so many fans across Europe.
“Over the past 20 years, Switzerland has emerged as one of the most prolific tennis powerhouses in the world, and of course is home to one of the greatest tennis players of all time. It’s only fitting to bring the newest event in world tennis to this great country.”
World No.2 and 20-time Grand Slam champion Roger Federer is excited about playing the third edition of the Laver Cup in front of enthusiastic crowds in his home country.
“I am so happy the Laver Cup is coming to Switzerland. I would like to thank the city of Geneva and the Laver Cup team who made this dream come true. I am excited to help bring this innovative team event and the world’s best players to my home country.”
“The Palexpo is the ideal facility to host the Laver Cup,” Steve Zacks, Managing Director of the Laver Cup said.
“It has been the home for major sold-out tennis events and has the scale and facilities to allow the Laver Cup team to create something spectacular. We plan to expand on the Laver Cup live event concept and create the stadium, practice court, fan village and more under one roof.”
The city of Geneva has thrown their support behind the event and Mayor Sami Kanaan is predicting the Laver Cup will be one of the major highlights of the city’s sporting calendar next year.
“We are truly honored Geneva has been chosen to host the Laver Cup in 2019. Already the Laver Cup is becoming renowned as one of the most exciting events in world tennis.
“I strongly believe sport has the power to bring people together and the Laver Cup, which unites some of the world’s most high-profile athletes is a great example of this. We are especially excited to welcome one of Switzerland’s sporting icons, Roger Federer, back to Geneva.
“Inspiring the next generation to pursue their own dreams is an important benefit of staging events such as the Laver Cup, and having Roger as part of it makes it even more significant.
“We look forward to showing off beautiful Geneva to the members of Team World and Team Europe in September 2019,” Mayor Kanaan said.
Geneva officials are universally enthusiastic in their support of the event.
Mayor-elect and Administrative Advisor for the city of Geneva, Guillaume Barazzone emphasised the increased cultural and economic benefits events such as the Laver Cup bring to the city.
“We look forward to welcoming fans from across Europe and around the world to Geneva for the Laver Cup in September 2019,” Barazzone said.
“The Laver Cup’s global profile of excellence and innovation is a perfect fit and adds to both the economic and cultural fabric of our international city.
“I can only imagine the excitement and atmosphere the Laver Cup will bring to the 18,000-strong crowd in the Palexpo next September.”
Thierry Apotheloz, Minister of Sport for the Canton of Geneva said:
“Geneva is a city that excels in staging major events, such as the UEFA Euro 2008 and the Tour de France, and we are very happy our city has been chosen for the prestigious Laver Cup in 2019.
“Over the years we’ve also staged many successful tennis events. Hundreds of thousands of fans have attended more than 10 Davis and Fed Cup ties at the Palexpo and there’s always been a remarkable atmosphere.
“Importantly, we’ve also seen first-hand the social benefits from these events. They not only create interest in sports, but promote participation, which in turn leads to healthier lifestyles and stronger communities.”
Pierre Maudet, Chairman of the Canton of Geneva said:
“On behalf of the Canton of Geneva, I’m proud to welcome the Laver Cup to our international city.
“Many of us enjoyed watching the Laver Cup in Prague last year and are eagerly anticipating the second instalment in Chicago next month. We can’t wait to host this spectacular display of sportsmanship, teamwork and athleticism here in Geneva.”
Robert Hensler, Chairman of Palexpo said:
“We are delighted to welcome the Laver Cup to our venue which shows once again how adaptable our space can be. Along with exhibitions and congresses, sporting events fit perfectly into our portfolio“.
The Laver Cup is a three-day event pitting six of the greatest players from Europe against six of their greatest rivals from the rest of the World in a unique tennis format that has captured the imagination of tennis and sports fans around the world.
The sell-out crowd at the debut event in Prague in 2017 witnessed unforgettable scenes of passion and emotion as the players competed for a trophy honoring Rod Laver, the only man to have won the Grand Slam twice.
As the victorious Team Europe, led by Roger Federer, hoisted the trophy, a disappointed Team World vowed to seek revenge in Chicago this year.
