Laver Cup Gala Kicks Off Celebrations with Tennis Legends in San Francisco

San Francisco, California — The Laver Cup kicked off its 2025 festivities with an extravagant opening night gala featuring tennis legends and current stars. The event attracted nearly 800 guests to the Bill Graham Civic Auditorium, where champions like Rod Laver, Roger Federer, and John McEnroe mingled ahead of the competition.

This year’s gala, held on the eve of the tournament, included both past champions and current players, creating a magical atmosphere. “We had a great time celebrating together,” Federer said. “It’s nice to see everyone out of their tennis outfits and just enjoying the camaraderie.”

The night showcased a black carpet where players such as Andy Roddick and Michael Chang arrived in style. Guests participated in light-hearted introductions, where players shared funny insights about each other, contributing to the event’s spirited tone. Team Europe captain Yannick Noah opened the evening with a poem dedicated to his vice captain, Tim Henman.

Among the notable interactions, Casper Ruud jokingly mentioned a “big Viking from Norway” who is expecting his first child, and Holger Rune poked fun at Alex Zverev‘s tardiness. Meanwhile, Team World captain Andre Agassi lightheartedly remarked on Carlos Alcaraz‘s rising stardom.

As the evening unfolded, the entertainment included a tribute to the tournament namesake Rod Laver and musical performances, along with discussions of players’ experiences off the court. “I’m just getting to know the players off the court, which is great,” Alcaraz expressed, emphasizing the value of the event beyond tennis.

The gala not only set the tone for the tournament but also allowed players to build bonds away from the court, enhancing team spirit leading into the matches starting Friday. The night concluded with excitement building for the competition as the teams prepared for their first matchups.