Karen I. Hirsch Photography

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LAVER CUP TENNIS IN CHICAGO

September 21, 2018

Welcome to Chicago Ceremony

John McEnroe
Bjorn Borg
Novak Djokovic
Roger Federer
Team World and Team Europe - Laver Cup Tennis
Rod Laver with the Laver Cup Trophy
Roger Federer follow through at the net

PRACTICE DAY

Novak Djokovic

John McEnroe

Bjorn Borg

Roger Federer

Team World and Team Europe at the Pritzker Pavillion in Chicago

Roger Federer

Rod Laver with the Laver Cup Trophy

Chicago was home to world class tennis during the Laver Cup championship which took place September 21 - 23, 2018 at the United Center. Prior to the main event, Team World captained by John McEnroe and Team Europe led by Bjorn Borg attended a Chicago Welcome Ceremony at the Pritzker Pavillion in Millennium Park and a number of other special events in their honor.  Rod Laver, legendary Australian tennis champion for whom the tournament is named, was also in attendance. It was reported that more than 93,000 tennis fans came to view the championship, making it one of the largest single sports event to take place at the United Center.

Across from the United Center, a glass building holding the practice court, was quickly built in two weeks time. The public was invited to view the players practicing for free. They were  given just a few minutes to walk through a netted aisle and take a picture before returning to "the Fan Zone" where the concession booths were located.

The Laver Cup tournament was initiated last year in Prague in the Czech Republic. Chicago played host this year and Geneva,Switzerland will be its location next year.  Each tennis team is comprised of six top players. Four matches are played each day - three singles and one doubles. Each match counts as one point on Friday, two points on Saturday and three points on Sunday.  The first team to reach thirteen points is declared the winner.

Team Europe won the championship in Chicago.

Grigor Dmitrov returning the ball

Grigor Dmitrov

Nick Kyrgios

Nick Kyrgios

Jack Sock - double-handed backhand

Jack Sock

Kyle Edmund about to serve

Kyle Edmund

Alexander Zverev serving

Alexander Zverev