Rod Laver, the iconic tennis legend, recently offered a fascinating insight into the sport’s past, particularly the demanding nature of equipment from his era. During Laver Cup London 2026, Laver spoke with Andy Murray, who, along with his brother Jamie, had experienced playing with Dunlop Maxply racquets from the 1960s. Murray described the experience as requiring a significant adjustment in technique, noting the need for “huge forearms” to wield the heavy racquets, which weighed over 400 grams—in stark contrast to modern racquets like Carlos Alcaraz’s 310-gram frame, according to Laver Cup.

The Evolution of Tennis Equipment

Laver confirmed that his arm would tire due to the racquets’ weight and that players had to time the ball “perfectly, otherwise it’s not going anywhere.” He explained that while he still applied topspin, the technique was “completely different” from today’s players. Andy Murray remarked that he and his brother “looked like we were playing in slow motion” with the vintage equipment. Laver also highlighted that today’s players are “spoiled” with new racquet frames every few months and constant restringing, whereas he used just “three frames… for years.” Murray noted Laver’s success, including winning the calendar-year Grand Slam in 1962 and 1969, as proof they “seemed to work quite well.” The discussion also touched on the number of balls in play: only two or three in the 1960s compared to six now, with Laver humorously adding that if a ball was framed out of the stadium, “You go get it.”

Laver Cup Dynamics and Captains’ Insights

The Laver Cup London 2026 also saw significant contributions from the team captains and vice-captains, offering perspectives on team dynamics and coaching. Team World vice-captain Pat Rafter, speaking on the Served podcast, imagined a formidable Team World if the Laver Cup had existed in his generation, listing players like Pete Sampras, Andre Agassi, Lleyton Hewitt, and Gustavo Kuerten. He emphasised the different pressure of playing for teammates compared to playing for oneself.

Team Europe vice-captain Tim Henman praised Team Europe captain Yannick Noah’s “incredible” emotional intelligence and IQ in handling diverse players and personalities. Henman, speaking from the Laver Cup Fan Zone, noted the challenge of quickly getting to know new players, advising coaches to “border on the side of a little less than a little more” information to avoid overwhelming them. He also highlighted Carlos Alcaraz‘s infectious personality and leadership, alongside Casper Ruud’s experience and willingness to give advice.

Agassi’s Energetic Return and Key Match Outcomes

Andre Agassi, Team World’s captain, made a notable return to the tennis scene with his “unbridled enthusiasm and support” for his players at the Laver Cup. His energetic presence was a key factor in boosting morale, particularly during Alex de Minaur’s extraordinary comeback against Alexander Zverev. Agassi’s shouts of encouragement, including “Check his oil!”, were heard as De Minaur recovered from a set and a break down, saving a match point to win 2-6, 7-6 (5), 11-9, according to The Guardian. This victory initially pushed Team World ahead 5-3 on the leaderboard after Learner Tien’s earlier win over Flavio Cobolli.

Agassi’s engagement extended to offering tactical advice and even jokingly offering to carry Learner Tien’s bag after his win. Having replaced John McEnroe as captain 18 months prior, Agassi’s re-emergence has seen him take on commentary roles for TNT Sports and the BBC, contrasting with his previously low-profile retirement. His current “unbridled joy and love” for the sport marks a shift from the “love-hate relationship” he described in his autobiography, “Open.”

By the close of Saturday’s play, following further matches including Carlos Alcaraz‘s comeback win against Taylor Fritz and Casper Ruud and Alexander Zverev’s doubles victory, Team Europe held a narrow 7-5 lead over Team World.

Frequently Asked Questions About Rod Laver’s Era

Readers often ask about the practical differences in tennis during Rod Laver’s playing career.

• Q: How heavy were Rod Laver’s racquets compared to modern ones?
• A: Rod Laver’s 1960s racquets weighed over 400 grams, significantly heavier than modern racquets, such as Carlos Alcaraz’s 310-gram frame.
• Q: What was different about the playing technique required for older racquets?
• A: Players needed “huge forearms” and had to time the ball “perfectly,” otherwise it wouldn’t go anywhere. While topspin was still used, the technique was “completely different” from today’s game.
• Q: How many tennis balls were typically in play during a match in the 1960s?
• A: In the 1960s, only two or three balls were typically in play on the court, compared to the six balls used in the modern game. If a player hit a ball out of the stadium, they would have to “go get it.”