Four years after Roger Federer brought one of tennis’s great careers to an emotional close at The O2, the Laver Cup has returned to London — and so has Federer, this time to find a permanent tribute waiting backstage.
The ninth edition of the Laver Cup takes place at The O2 from September 25 to 27, bringing Team Europe and Team World back to the arena where Federer played the final competitive match of his career in 2022. That evening, alongside longtime rival Rafael Nadal in doubles, became less a conventional sporting farewell than a defining piece of tennis history.
London’s return as host inevitably carries some of that emotion with it. Federer, one of the tournament’s co-founders, was back at The O2 ahead of this year’s competition, joined by a gathering of champions that included Rod Laver, Andre Agassi, Carlos Alcaraz, Pat Rafter and Yannick Noah.
Named for Australian legend Rod Laver and conceived with some of the tribal intensity of golf’s Ryder Cup, the Laver Cup temporarily rewrites the rhythms of professional tennis. Six European players face six from the rest of the world, transforming athletes accustomed to competing alone into teammates sharing a bench, strategy and increasingly animated celebrations.
This year, Yannick Noah leads Team Europe with Tim Henman as vice captain, while Andre Agassi commands Team World alongside Patrick Rafter. Europe’s roster includes Carlos Alcaraz, Alexander Zverev, Flavio Cobolli, Rafael Jodar, Jakub Mensik and Casper Ruud; Team World counters with Taylor Fritz, Alex de Minaur, Brandon Nakashima, Alexander Bublik, Learner Tien and Francisco Cerundolo. The tournament’s distinctive black court — assembled at The O2 from 460 individual pieces — remains one of its most recognizable signatures.
Yet before the first ball was struck, another story had already taken shape behind the scenes.
The O2 has unveiled the RF Room, a new backstage retreat dedicated to Federer and his unusually deep connection with the London arena. Between 2009 and 2022, Federer made 45 sporting appearances at the venue, first during its years hosting the season-ending ATP Finals and ultimately at the Laver Cup that marked his farewell.
The room plays with that number throughout. Forty-five table-tennis paddles line the space, with the final paddle signed by Federer. A bespoke table-tennis table incorporates artwork chosen by the Swiss champion, while the room’s sound system carries a playlist he helped curate. A photograph of Federer waving goodbye to the London crowd after his final match anchors the story behind the design.
There is wit among the nostalgia. When Federer toured the room ahead of the tournament, AEG International president and CEO Alex Hill presented him not only with his own key, but with a table-tennis paddle made from the fabric of The O2’s distinctive roof.
“The O2 will always be a very special place for me,” Federer said. “I have so many great memories of playing here over the years, and of course it’s where I played the final match of my career in 2022.”
Rather than functioning purely as a museum piece, the RF Room has been conceived as a working backstage space for artists and their teams visiting The O2. It is the venue’s first room created in honor of a sporting figure, placing Federer within the building’s broader tradition of commemorating performers and moments that have helped shape its identity.
Beyond the court, Laver Cup London is leaning further into hospitality. World of Hyatt serves as the tournament’s official hotel sponsor, with participating properties including Andaz London Liverpool Street, Park Hyatt London River Thames and Hyatt Regency London – The Churchill. Qualifying stays can include breakfast, a welcome amenity and a 15 percent food-and-beverage saving at participating outlets, while World of Hyatt members have access to selected Laver Cup experiences.
For travelers drawn to the character of old London, Andaz London Liverpool Street occupies the former Great Eastern Hotel beside Liverpool Street station. The Victorian landmark dates to 1884 and retains some of its most theatrical architectural details, including its Grade II-listed Masonic Temple and historic ballroom, while placing guests within easy reach of Shoreditch and Spitalfields.
Grey Goose has joined the 2026 tournament as the official vodka and vodka cocktail partner, extending an event that has increasingly blurred the line between elite sport and international lifestyle occasion. Around the arena, official collections, hospitality lounges and a four-day fan zone have added another dimension to the weekend, while premium packages range from private suites to front-row experiences and stays at the team hotel.
But London’s latest Laver Cup still circles back to one man.
Federer no longer needs to walk onto The O2’s black court to command the room. Four years after one of sport’s most graceful exits, his presence is embedded more quietly into the building itself — 45 paddles, one signature, and a backstage door bearing his initials.
