By Richard Pagliaro | @Tennis_Now | Wednesday, September 18, 2024
Photo: Rolex for the Laver Cup
John McEnroe aim for a triumphant farewell.
Captain and teammate of the World Team Bjorn Borg, The captain of Team Europe, both are patrolling the sidelines for the final time at this weekend’s Laver Cup Berlin.
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Hall of Famer McEnroe points to a pair of American powerhouses – the US Open finalist Taylor Fritz and 2023 US Open semifinalist Ben Shelton-As two reasons why he is optimistic, Team World can be beaten three times as Laver Cup champion.
We’ve got some guys who are hot,” McEnroe told media in Berlin. “Taylor (Fritz), the first time he’s reached a US Open final, that’s huge for an American,” McEnroe said. “Ben Shelton is going to be a superstar I believe, but they’re already playing superstars.”
Indeed, Team Europe boasts a loaded lineup that includes reigning Roland Garros and Wimbledon champion Carlos Alcaraz, Daniil Medvedev, Grigor Dimitrov, Casper Ruud, Stefanos Tsitsipas and Alexander Zverev.
“I love Carlos,” McEnroe said. “I have to admit it: I hope he plays terribly this weekend.
“He’s the biggest breath of fresh air we’ve had in the sport in ten years.”
Andre Agassi will succeed McEnroe as captain of the World Team and Yannik Noah will replace Borg as captain of Team Europe starting next year. McEnroe said Team World is in good hands with the analytical Agassi at the helm.
“Andre is going to do a great job,” McEnroe said of Agassi. “I played him when he was 16 or 17, he had that personality and you just knew something big was going to happen.
“He has that special quality that people love. He’s probably more analytics driven than I am… the players will love him too. It will be fun to watch from a greater distance in the next couple of years.”
