It all started in 2017 when Swiss legend Roger Federer walked onto center court at O2 Arena in Prague, touched the surface, and smiled to say, “It’s official. The Laver Cup will be played on a black tennis court.” Seven years to that day, Bastien ...

Roger Federer may have stepped back from competitive tennis, but his influence is everywhere, especially at the Laver Cup.

Roger Federer retired two years ago but his connection to tennis remains stronger than ever. The return of the Laver Cup is another reminder that he never left the stage.

Roger Federer said on Wednesday staying involved with tennis in retirement helped him avoid feeling "like an alien" ahead of this week's Laver Cup in Berlin.

The 20-time Grand Slam champion famously enjoyed an emotional farewell at the 2022 Laver Cup, when the team event was staged in London's O2 Arena. Federer co-created the Laver Cup and is back as a spectator in Berlin this year. He also raised eyebrows when he took to the iconic black court for a hit earlier in the week.

The importance of having Roger Federer close by: "It’s a huge advantage we have. Roger is definitely on our team. He himself does not want to reveal it, but we all know that he is there whenever we need him for important moments, and this is a small advantage that we take with us. They may have Rod, but we have Roger".

Laver Cup in Berlin is well underway and celebrates its seventh year. Here are seven magnificent matches in the Roger Federer-inspired competition. The inaugural edition of the Laver Cup had a spectacular conclusion,