According to one of the closest people to Roger Federer, it is only a matter of time before the Swiss superstar’s involvement in the Laver Cup moves to an even bigger level: that of captain.
The Laver Cup is a global team event that pits Europe against the Rest of the World, with each side fielding six of the planet’s top players under the guidance of a captain and vice‑captain.
‘When’ not ‘if’
Tony Godsick, Laver Cup chairman and long-time agent of Roger Federer, spoke at length during a press conference at London’s O2 arena on Friday during this year’s tournament. Godsick was also joined by Laver Cup CEO Steve Zacks.
According to Godsick, Roger Federer’s future as a Laver Cup captain appears to be a matter of “when”, rather than “if”, telling reporters that the Swiss legend remains deeply involved in the event that he helped create, and has no doubt that Federer will one day take a place in the captain’s chair.
Federer’s availability is expected to be the key factor.
The Swiss icon juggles a packed professional and personal schedule; from running his philanthropic foundation to major brand commitments with Uniqlo and Rolex, and holding a majority stake in Swiss footwear company On, along with co‑leading the Laver Cup. He and wife Mirka also raise their four children.
Full life post-tennis
At the recent US Open, the Swiss great revealed how full his life has become post-retirement, after he played a one-off sold-out exhibition during Fan Week.
Shutting down any talk of a comeback, Federer explained that he has no time outside of his currently busy daily schedule, as he juggles family life with a demanding schedule.
Godsick acknowledged this at the press conference, saying: “So Roger one day is ready to be captain”.
“The next day he says, I can’t be a captain for 10 years. He’s got four kids and a lot going on.”
Despite Federer’s changing views on the timing, Godsick was confident that the 20-time Grand Slam champion would eventually accept the role.
“What I can tell you is one day he will be captain, for sure. I hope. I mean, nothing is for certain” he added.
Emotional farewell
The last time that the Laver Cup was held in London, in 2022, marked Federer’s retirement from professional tennis.
The edition became the tournament’s most celebrated, thanks to his emotional farewell alongside long-time rival Rafael Nadal, with Novak Djokovic and Andy Murray) also present.
It remains one of the defining moments in the event’s short history.
Replicating such a landmark occasion may be impossible, but the prospect of Federer as captain of his own tournament would undoubtedly elevate the Laver Cup to a new level.
Behaves like a captain
Intriguingly, Godsick reveals that Federer still behaves like a captain behind the scenes, while carefully avoiding interference with the current leadership group.
“I know that he behaves and acts behind the scenes to Steve and I like a captain. He doesn’t meddle in anything the captains are doing from that standpoint, but he loves this event.”
That passion was evident when Godsick sent Federer the confidential schedule for this year’s competition.
He was invested: “I sent it to him right away, and he started breaking it apart,” Godsick said.
“So he could be ready tomorrow to be captain, for sure. I’d love to see him be a captain at some point.”
Event has exceeded expectations
Federer’s potential appointment would add another chapter to a tournament that was conceived during a car conversation between the Swiss star and Godsick.
The Laver Cup has now reached its ninth edition, with Godsick saying the event has exceeded the expectations of its founders.
The competition’s current captains, Andre Agassi and Yannick Noah, have also received strong praise. Godsick said Agassi takes the role seriously, while Noah had brought his distinctive personality to the European team.
“Andre is doing a great job,” he said.
“He takes this so seriously, and so does Pat Rafter. And Yannick Noah has been just absolutely amazing, and Tim Henman has been fantastic and great.”
Former captains could return
However, Federer would not necessarily replace the current captains permanently.
Godsick suggested the Laver Cup could continue to use former captains in different roles, with no strict rules preventing them from returning.
“There is no reason, by the way, once you have been captain, it doesn’t mean you can’t be captain again,” he said.
That flexibility could eventually allow Federer to join, or work alongside, figures such as John McEnroe and Bjorn Borg, who led the teams during the Laver Cup’s early years.
“For me personally, I think it would be great,” Godsick said of Federer becoming captain.
“But we’ll see when it’s time.”
Amisha Savani is reporting exclusively for The South African from the 2026 Laver Cup in London
