Tennis royalty met rising brilliance on the greens this week as Roger Federer and Carlos Alcaraz shared a light-hearted golf outing ahead of the Laver Cup 2025 in San Francisco. Federer, the 20-time Grand Slam champion and co-founder of the Laver Cup, posted a carousel of photos on Instagram with the cheeky caption: “Welcome to Laver Cup 2025, Carlitos… nice work on the golf course. Hope you packed your tennis rackets.” The post quickly went viral, capturing the camaraderie between generations and setting the tone for a star-studded weekend at Chase Center.
The Laver Cup, now in its eighth edition, kicks off this Friday and features Team Europe vs Team World in a three-day tennis spectacle. Federer, though retired, remains the face of the event and was seen interacting with fans, players, and legends like Rod Laver and Yannick Noah during pre-tournament festivities.
Federer and Alcaraz: Golfing Before the Grind
| Activity | Details |
|---|---|
| Location | San Francisco Golf Club |
| Participants | Roger Federer, Carlos Alcaraz |
| Occasion | Pre-Laver Cup bonding |
| Federer’s Caption | “Hope you packed your tennis rackets” |
| Alcaraz’s Form | Coming off sixth Grand Slam title at US Open |
Federer, now 44, looked relaxed and jovial as he played a few holes with Alcaraz, who is widely regarded as the future of men’s tennis. The duo’s chemistry was evident, with Federer praising Alcaraz as “another-level” and tipping Team Europe to win the Cup, largely due to the Spaniard’s presence.
Laver Cup 2025: Tournament Overview
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Dates | September 19–21, 2025 |
| Venue | Chase Center, San Francisco |
| Surface | Indoor hard court (black) |
| Format | Team Europe vs Team World |
| Match Type | Singles and doubles (best-of-three sets) |
| Points System | Day 1: 1 point, Day 2: 2 points, Day 3: 3 points |
The Laver Cup’s unique format and team-based competition have made it a fan favorite since its inception in 2017. This year’s edition promises high drama, with Team Europe stacked with talent and Team World eager to avenge last year’s defeat.
Team Europe 2025 Line-Up
| Player | Country |
|---|---|
| Carlos Alcaraz | Spain |
| Alexander Zverev | Germany |
| Casper Ruud | Norway |
| Holger Rune | Denmark |
| Jakob Mensik | Czech Republic |
| Tomas Machac | Czech Republic |
| Captain | Yannick Noah |
Federer has expressed confidence in Team Europe, citing Alcaraz and Zverev as the key pillars. “I think Europe is probably the favorite – mainly because of Alcaraz and Zverev,” he said during a media interaction.
Team World 2025 Line-Up
| Player | Country |
|---|---|
| Taylor Fritz | USA |
| Alex de Minaur | Australia |
| Ben Shelton | USA |
| Félix Auger-Aliassime | Canada |
| Francisco Cerúndolo | Argentina |
| Jordan Thompson | Australia |
| Captain | Andre Agassi |
Team World, led by tennis legend Andre Agassi, will rely on its aggressive baseline hitters and youthful energy to challenge Europe’s dominance.
Federer’s Role and Reflections
Though retired since 2022, Federer remains deeply involved in the Laver Cup’s operations and legacy projects. This year, he participated in the unveiling of six renovated courts at John McLaren Park as part of the tournament’s Community Legacy Project.
| Federer’s Activities | Description |
|---|---|
| Golf with Alcaraz | Social bonding and promotion |
| Court Unveiling | Community outreach in San Francisco |
| Media Interactions | Predictions and reflections |
| Fan Engagement | Pickup tennis at Stanford, autograph sessions |
Federer also shared his thoughts on the Chase Center’s unique black court, saying, “I feel very… sad is not the word, but I’m missing out that I can’t play, because this is a venue I would have loved to play.”
Alcaraz’s Rise and Federer’s Mentorship
Carlos Alcaraz, now 22, has already claimed six Grand Slam titles and is widely seen as the heir to Federer’s legacy. In a recent interview, Alcaraz revealed Federer’s advice: “He told me you have to be focused on the next five years, from here to when I’m 27. And then, when I get 27, then think about five years more.”
| Alcaraz’s Achievements | Highlights |
|---|---|
| Grand Slam Titles | 6 (including 2025 US Open) |
| ATP Ranking | World No. 1 |
| Laver Cup Debut | 2025 edition |
| Style of Play | Aggressive baseline, all-court versatility |
Federer’s mentorship and admiration for Alcaraz have added emotional depth to this year’s Laver Cup narrative.
Off-Court Fun: Tennis Meets Basketball
In a crossover moment, Team Europe players visited the Golden State Warriors’ practice facility, where Alexander Zverev showcased his basketball skills. Zverev drained a three-pointer and dunked with ease, earning praise from NBA guard Moses Moody.
| Event | Highlights |
|---|---|
| Location | Chase Center, Warriors’ facility |
| Participants | Zverev, Rune, Ruud, Mensik, Machac |
| NBA Guests | Gui Santos, Moses Moody |
| Activities | Shooting drills, slam dunks, sports exchange |
The interaction highlighted the camaraderie and cross-sport respect between elite athletes.
What to Expect at Laver Cup 2025
| Day | Match Focus |
|---|---|
| Friday | Opening singles and doubles |
| Saturday | Key matchups and momentum shifts |
| Sunday | Decisive matches, trophy presentation |
With Federer cheering from the sidelines and Alcaraz leading the charge, fans can expect electrifying rallies, strategic doubles pairings, and emotional moments.
Conclusion: Federer and Alcaraz Set the Tone for Laver Cup’s Next Chapter
Roger Federer’s golf outing with Carlos Alcaraz was more than a promotional event—it was a symbolic passing of the torch. As the Laver Cup 2025 unfolds in San Francisco, the blend of legacy and youth promises a spectacle that transcends sport.
Whether you’re tuning in for the tennis, the personalities, or the black court drama, this year’s Laver Cup is poised to deliver unforgettable moments—and Federer’s cheeky caption may just be the perfect prelude.
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Disclaimer: This article is based on publicly available sports reports, verified interviews, and tournament updates. It is intended for informational purposes only and does not constitute betting or coaching advice. All fixtures and player line-ups are subject to official confirmation.
