Fri Sep 19 20:10:00 UTC 2025: **FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE**

**Laver Cup Gala Kicks Off Tournament with Style and Inside Jokes**

**SAN FRANCISCO, CA –** The annual Laver Cup kicked off its competition with a star-studded gala at San Francisco’s Bill Graham Civic Auditorium last night, drawing roughly 800 attendees. Past champions and current players alike traded their tennis whites for black-tie attire, stepping into the spotlight not for their tennis prowess, but for an evening of camaraderie and lighthearted ribbing.

Tennis legends such as Rod Laver, Roger Federer, John McEnroe, Michael Chang, Stan Smith, and Andy Roddick graced the black carpet, collectively boasting an impressive 40 Grand Slam titles. They were joined by current Laver Cup Team Europe player Carlos Alcaraz, further adding to the star power.

The event’s highlight was the player introductions, a tradition where teammates playfully roast each other. Team Europe captain Yannick Noah set the tone with a poem for vice-captain Tim Henman, while other players poked fun at everything from Tomas Machac’s short shorts to Holger Rune’s tardiness.

Team World followed suit, with captain Andre Agassi joking about Alcaraz being overrated and playfully teasing Federer about past matches. The evening was filled with laughter and revealed the close bonds forming between players from different nations.

“It’s a chance to celebrate the players and have a great time,” said Roger Federer about the event, noting the importance of allowing the players to “get outside their tennis clothes, locker rooms, [and] hotel rooms”.

Players emphasized the opportunity to connect with teammates off the court. “I am just getting to know the players off the court, which is great,” said Carlos Alcaraz, “I know how they prepare for the match, how they work out off the court. It is great to learn a little bit how they work.”

Beyond the banter, the gala included a welcome from Laver Cup chairman Tony Godsick, a heartfelt tribute to Rod Laver by John McEnroe, and a musical performance. The event gave the players a relaxed environment to bond as a team, setting the stage for the highly anticipated Laver Cup competition.

Competition begins today at San Francisco’s Bill Graham Civic Auditorium.

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