Steve Johnson, John Isner, and Sam Querrey were discussing why it’s difficult to compare players from different eras.
Then, Johnson made an outrageous claim about Rod Laver, the tennis legend and former world number one.
What is the one tennis result you would like to change?
Plenty to pick from!
John Isner wasn’t prepared to let it slide!
Steve Johnson said he ‘liked his chances’ against Rod Laver before immediately backtracking
During the latest episode of ‘Nothing Major‘, Johnson said the following.
“I like my chances against Rod Laver,” said Johnson.
“Yes, what’s Rod going to do with your slice?” Querrey added.
“He’ll probably actually hit it for a winner,” Johnson admitted.
Isner couldn’t believe what he was hearing.
“Dude, no way, man!” said Isner.
Rod Laver and Steve Johnson’s career stats
| Rod Laver | Steve Johnson | |
| Career-high ranking | 1 | 21 |
| Grand Slams | 11 | 0 |
| Titles | 200 (72 Open Era titles) | 4 |
| Davis Cup wins | 5 | 0 |
| Career record | 1689-538 | 197-204 |
“No way!
“You give Rod Laver modern technology, he’s chopping you up, are you insane?”
Johnson immediately backtracked…
“That was a bad example…” he said.
“He’s going to come into my backhand and win every point.”
“But you said it!” added Isner.
“I know, I retract immediately,” said Johnson.
“Immediate 180!
“You give him new technology. I’m out, I quit.”
Isner was keen to compliment Laver, the last man to complete the Calendar Grand Slam.
Men to complete the Calendar Grand Slam (singles)
- Don Budge – 1938
- Rod Laver – 1962, 1969
“I’ve seen some highlights of rocket [Rod Laver], so quick!” he said.
“Way ahead of his time with his athleticism.
“He’s chopping all of us up, that’s for damn sure.”
Laver competed during the 1960s and 1970s, winning 11 Grand Slams and eight ‘Pro Major’ titles.
He is widely considered to be the greatest player of his generation, and with modern technology, may well have made light work of Johnson!
Rod Laver’s legacy continues at the Laver Cup
Honouring Laver’s career, Roger Federer helped create the Laver Cup back in 2017.
The event has since become a staple of the calendar, pitting European and International players against each other in a three-day event.
Laver Cup results
| Year | Location | Winner | Loser | Score |
| 2017 | Prague, Czechia | Team Europe | Team World | 15-9 |
| 2018 | Chicago, USA | Team Europe | Team World | 13-8 |
| 2019 | Geneva, Switzerland | Team Europe | Team World | 13-11 |
| 2021 | Boston, USA | Team Europe | Team World | 14-1 |
| 2022 | London, UK | Team World | Team Europe | 13-8 |
| 2023 | Vancouver, Canada | Team World | Team Europe | 13-2 |
| 2024 | Berlin, Germany | Team Europe | Team World | 13-11 |
| 2025 | San Francisco, USA | Team World | Team Europe | 15-9 |
- Team Europe wins – 5
- Team World wins – 3
Team Europe won the first four editions of the Laver Cup, but have struggled recently, losing three of the last four.
They’ll be looking for revenge in London later this year…
Team Europe’s captain, Yannick Noah, has already announced Carlos Alcaraz and Alexander Zverev for the 2026 event.
Team World’s captain, Andre Agassi, has selected Taylor Fritz and Alex de Minaur.
The remainder of the selections will be announced over the coming months.
Only time will tell who will win the 2026 Laver Cup, but you certainly won’t want to miss it.
The 2026 Laver Cup begins on Friday, September 25.
