The O2 Arena has many guises. It had been used most recently for Hilary Duff’s “The Lucky Me Tour” before being turned into a black tennis court, which helped enhance the sense of spectacle.
A towering jumbotron, nestled just below the roof to give optimum viewing potential, might seem more at home on a basketball court. But it worked.
The blue and red lights that bathed one half of the arena, depending on which side of the court the corresponding player was at any given time, felt a touch gimmicky, but the absence of blaring music at every possible interlude was welcome.
Although there were messages on the screen banning the ring lights and flash photography that had caused chaos and disruption at the US Open, it was not needed for an audience who respectfully remained almost silent during the points.
They did however, become engaged with the occasion, with one box’s attempt to start a “USA” chant receiving only resounding boos in response.
The Laver Cup also had some star power pull away from the court too, actor Leonardo DiCaprio watched on sat alongside Federer watching on in the stands.