WATCH: Laver Cup goes deep on Roman Empire, hang-up celebrations ahead of 2023 event

How often do you think of the Roman Empire?

The absurdist meme has officially hit tennis as the 2023 Laver Cup players tackle the Classics before play kicks off this weekend in Vancouver.

“Honestly, in the last two weeks, probably a lot because it’s all I’ve been hearing about!” laughs Team World’s part-time model Taylor Fritz. “But under normal circumstances, a couple times a year, maybe!”

While Fritz’s countryman Ben Shelton plays it close to the vest, Team Europe’s Andrey Rublev had the best answer: “Only when I’m in Rome!”

Speaking of Rublev, we hope Grigor Dimitrov won’t get too jealous when he sees his bestie kick off a bromance with teammate Casper Ruud.

The second clip comes from a broader set of ice breaker questions where Ruud gives Rublev big ups on his hair game, plus Laver Cup newcomer Arthur Fils tries to nab the crown for himself—with a fairly solid endorsement from Gaël Monfils.

Things promise to get more intense once action gets underway, and Shelton is already promising to bring back his famous “hang up” celebration to help support Team World.

“The first 140 that comes up, I’m jumping up like this,” jokes teammate Christopher Eubanks, who is also playing his first Laver Cup.

Team World will plot the fall of Team Europe for a second straight Laver Cup at the Rogers Arena starting on Friday.