Ahead of Sunday’s Laver Cup action, Rod Laver answered fan questions on Twitter. The Australian was asked questions related to the past, present and future of tennis.
Who is Laver’s favorite young player?
Shelton is the new player on the tour. We will see him win a Slam, he has one of the biggest serves, a big left-hander, he can’t make mistakes. He found an opening and went to it.
– Rod Laver (@rodlaver) September 24, 2023
20-year-old Ben Shelton, who is the No. 19 in the Pepperstone ATP Rankings, one of the fastest rising stars in the game. This time last year, Shelton was the World No. 177. The lefty enjoyed a breakthrough season, with a career-best run coming at his home Slam, where he was a semi-finalist.
Shelton was also a big part of Team World’s convincing Laver Cup victory over Team Europe. The 2022 NCAA singles champion earned a singles victory in his Laver Cup debut and also earned two doubles wins, along with Felix Auger-Aliassime and Frances Tiafoe. The 25-year-old Tiafoe is another player that Laver expects a lot of success from.
Anyone in the top 10 can come out and win it, but we could see a surprise finalist like Tiafoe. He can really handle it.
– Rod Laver (@rodlaver) September 24, 2023
Laver also shared what he enjoys most about the Laver Cup.
The players realize the importance of what the activity is. The Laver Cup is now established. Before it was an idea, now it is a reality. The players feel a good identity with the region they represent. This is the competition. They try hard.
– Rod Laver (@rodlaver) September 24, 2023
I’m honored that the Australian has my name on center court. Roger Federer was instrumental in naming the Laver Cup after me. I’m honored that he feels that way about my career.
– Rod Laver (@rodlaver) September 24, 2023
What is the biggest difference between tennis now and when Laver played?
Rackets. Wooden rackets are great for playing tennis, but you need to generate all your power. This makes the game very difficult for people. Metal rackets open up the entire game, and make it more popular among female players. They involve their children in sports.
– Rod Laver (@rodlaver) September 24, 2023
Perhaps the most important was against Rosewall in the WCT final in ’72. In the past, tennis was not exposed to the public. NBC televised the event and it really took off. All the tennis courts were full that year. Interest in the game exploded.
– Rod Laver (@rodlaver) September 24, 2023
Does the 11-time major champion still play tennis?
Not anymore. I had to replace my hip and a knee, so I didn’t want to ruin it again. It was worth every bit of it. I play a lot of golf these days.
– Rod Laver (@rodlaver) September 24, 2023