The Laver Cup has given fans a lot of iconic moments, with Team World eyeing a three-peat at the trophy this year. The tournament was incepted in 2017 and was jaw-dropping from its first-ever edition, where Rafael Nadal and Roger Federer teamed up as an iconic double pairing.

Named after the legendary Rod Laver, the tournament has controversies that still resonate with tennis fans. This year’s version will be held in Berlin, where Team Europe looks like an absolute powerhouse and will look to break Team World’s winning streak.

On that note, let’s look at the competition’s top three controversial moments over the years.

#3) “This isn’t ‘trash talk’, it’s flat-out bullying” – Fans in shock after Team World potshots Stefanos Tsitsipas

In the 2022 version of the Laver Cup, fans saw a side of tennis where Tommy Paul tried to play games with Stefanos Tsitsipas by passing comments about his controversial father. Before 2022, Team Europe had won every edition showcasing unreal domination, which changed because of this strategic change by Team World.

After the first ten matches, Team World led the tally at 10-8 when the day’s final game was held between Tiafoe and Tsitsipas. Tsitsipas’ father was accused of coaching him from the stands, and members of Team World tried to make jokes about this situation, which resulted in him losing his composure and failing to convert four of his match points against Tiafoe.

Fans took to social media to express their horror at the situation because the game is known for its class and grace, and such moments were unexpected for fans.

“This isn’t “trash talk”. It’s flat out bullying. Disgraceful that they’d stoop so low,” one said.

The 2022 version of the Laver Cup will be etched in the sport’s history as it marked Roger Federer’s official retirement. He also played his final match against Rafael Nadal on Day 1, running back the years.

However, the tournament ended unexpectedly, with both being on the losing side and Team World lifting their maiden Laver Cup trophy. While Paul’s antics secured his team’s win, fans called out his behavior against Tsitsipas.

#2) “I can play games too” – Felix Auger-Aliassime, angry at Gael Monfils for alleged unsportsmanlike behavior

In the 2023 version of the Laver Cup, Felix Auger-Aliassime and Gael Monfils got into a war of words after the Canadians grew immensely frustrated at the French for escaping a time violation during changeovers.

Auger-Aliassime and Monfils met on the third match of the opening day of the 2023 Laver Cup, where Auger-Aliassime was looking to add a point to Team World’s 2-0 tally. He grew excessively frustrated at Monfils for trying to break his momentum by constantly sitting on the bench between points when serving at 2-2. After his patience reached its limit, he confronted the chair umpire about why the French veteran was not penalized for unsportsmanlike behavior and awarded a time violation.

“Are you sticking to the ATP rules? Are you telling me that’s normal? He sits down for about 30 seconds. I mean, that a time violation warning. That’s not, ‘I’m gonna talk to him.’ Cause I can play games too. I can play games too,” the 23-year-old Canadian said.

Monfils approached the Team World bench to explain his side of things. When things got heated, the players argued in French, failing to find a solution. Monfils expressed how he wasn’t aware of the strictness of ATP rules at the tournament when he was there to have fun.

Auger-Aliassime was backed by his teammate Ben Shelton, who advised him to stare down the veteran if he tried to pull his antics again. Auger-Aliassime eventually won the match in straight sets, 6-4, 6-3, giving his team a 3-0 lead.

#1) Rafael Nadal withdraws from the Laver Cup 2024 after confirming his presence, infuriating fans

Rafael Nadal recently announced his withdrawal from the 2024 version of the Laver Cup, shocking many fans to misery. He cited competitive reasons, saying he wasn’t at his physical best to add much to Team Europe as his reason for withdrawal. Captain Bjorn Borg added Grigor Dimitrov to the squad instead of the Spaniard.

While Nadal’s withdrawal saddened his fans, who voiced their concerns on social media, it also gave them hope against his retirement from the sport. Nadal has been away from professional appearances since his Paris Olympics upsets in the early rounds. As per Laver Cup’s official social media account, Nadal said:

“I’m really disappointed to share that I won’t be able to compete at the Laver Cup in Berlin next week. This is a team competition an, and to really support Team Europe, I need to do what’s best for them, and at this moment, are other players who can help the team deliver the win.”

Fans took to social media to cite their concerns, where one of them said:

“Many people paid a lot of money to come and see him play… I don’t care if he loses. I’m pretty sure he could play well in doubles but this doesn’t sit right with me. I hope they can get Sinner because this is ridiculous.”

As Rafael Nadal backs out of the Laver Cup after a much-awaited appearance for his fans, his next tournament is expected to be at the ‘Six Kings Slam’ exhibition in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, in October. Other big names like Carlos Alcaraz, Novak Djokovic, and Jannik Sinner are also expected to join him in this competition.13 four.