Thomas Lyte commissioned to create the Laver Cup

Three of the greats of tennis, past and present, unveiled the newest trophy in world tennis, the Laver Cup. Rod Laver, Roger Federer and John McEnroe gathered in London to reveal the new silverware which literally includes a part of tennis history.

The hand-crafted Laver Cup trophy has been constructed to celebrate the Australian’s legendary career. It includes molten metal from one of his first individual professional trophies and features design elements that honor Laver’s unrivaled tennis achievements.

Laver remains the only player to complete two calendar-year Grand Slams, and as a winner of 200 career titles in total, is widely regarded as one of the greatest players of all time.

Roger Federer, who will headline Team Europe alongside Rafael Nadal, said the Laver Cup would stand apart in his prolific trophy collection.

“Competing for the Laver Cup will be something truly special,”

said Federer, a winner of 18 Grand Slams among 92 career titles.

“When you win a title that the great Rod Laver also won, it’s wonderful to know that you’ve shared in those same experiences and that same legacy. But the Laver Cup is even more magical. It would be a tremendous privilege to lift a trophy that features a real part of Rod’s incredible history. Both teams in Prague will fight their heart out to get their hands on it.”

Hand-created using traditional silversmithing techniques, more than 400 hours of intricate craftsmanship were required for its completion. The 200 notches on the rim of the trophy signify Rod Laver’s career titles, with the duplication of four rings at its base representing his Grand Slam sweeps in 1962 and 1969.

Laver is humbled at the detail with which his career has been symbolized, he said

“Every win, of course, had its significance during my career but to see them represented collectively so beautifully all these years later is extremely special. I’m thrilled that the likes of Roger Federer, Rafael Nadal and Milos Raonic will compete for such a beautiful trophy in my honor. When I look at the Laver Cup, I am so proud to have my name on it.”

Federer, a driving force in the creation of the unique team event, added the Laver Cup is a fitting tribute to a true tennis hero.

“For me, Rod Laver is the greatest player of all time, I’m thrilled that the Laver Cup creates a legacy that future generations can also cherish.” Federer said. 

Interesting to know about the Thomas Lyte commissioned Laver Cup:

• The cup was hand crafted from solid sterling silver to suggest the shape of a rocket, reflecting Rod Laver’s nickname
• Molten metal from part of Rod Laver’s New England Merchant Bank Trophy from the US Pro Tennis Championships has been incorporated into the new Laver Cup
• Curved arms come together in the cup design signifying rivals becoming team mates
• The 200 notches on the rim represent Rod Laver’s career tennis titles

• Two sets of four rings on the base represent Rod Laver’s Grand Slams, in 1962 and 1969
• Production of the trophy took more than 400 hours
• The Laver Cup stands 26in/66cm tall and weighs 31lb/14kg
• The design was conceptualized by renowned London agency Designwerk
• The cup was manufactured by hand by silversmiths at Thomas Lyte, a company associated with some of the world’s greatest sporting trophies, including the Ryder Cup and football’s FA Cup.

Image credits:
Rod Laver, Roger Federer and John McEnrow unveil the Laver Cup in London.