Agassi Faces Player Shortage Ahead of Laver Cup

SAN FRANCISCO — Seven-time Grand Slam champion Andre Agassi, captain of Team World in the Laver Cup, faces unexpected challenges in fielding a full roster ahead of the event’s start on Friday.

Despite being able to draw players from around the globe, Agassi struggled to secure a complete team due to injuries and other commitments, leading to a last-minute adjustment. Australian Alex de Minaur stepped in to replace American Frances Tiafoe, aiming for a balanced lineup of three American and three international players.

“Our goal was always to have a diverse team, and I think we’ve done well with a strong mix,” Agassi said during a press conference.

The event, which began in 2017, is designed to mimic the biennial Ryder Cup in golf, focusing on competition between Europe and the rest of the world. Historically, Team World has struggled against Team Europe, which has consistently featured the sport’s top players.

Agassi’s team reflects a mix of emerging talents and seasoned competitors, including 19-year-old João Fonseca from Brazil and Francisco Cerúndolo from Argentina. This year, Team World aims for greater representation from various countries, with participants from six nations, compared to previous years.

During last-minute roster changes, Agassi’s recruitment of de Minaur came after the player initially planned to skip the tournament due to scheduling conflicts. However, after discussions with his vice-captain, Pat Rafter, de Minaur agreed to join the team.

“Once I had assurance about my workload, I was excited to participate,” de Minaur stated. “Playing for Team World is a unique opportunity.”

In addition to navigating player availability, the event’s organizers face scrutiny over its competitive integrity, as its matches do not carry ATP ranking points. Nonetheless, the excitement among players and fans remains high as the tournament prepares to begin.

Despite these tight scheduling challenges, Team World is keen to give its best performance and make a mark at this year’s competition, showcasing the thrill of international tennis.