Andre Agassi to become Team World Captain for Laver Cup from 2025 - 'I can’t wait to take on this role'
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Updated 22/05/2024 at 14:25 GMT
Former World No. 1 and eight-time Grand Slam Champion Andre Agassi has been named as the new Laver Cup Team World Captain and will begin his term with Laver Cup 2025 in San Francisco. Agassi will take over the helm from fellow American John McEnroe who has captained Team World since the inaugural Laver Cup in Prague in 2017.
'An honour' - Agassi to captain Team World in Laver Cup from 2025
Former World No. 1 and eight-time Grand Slam Champion Andre Agassi has been named as the new Laver Cup Team World Captain and will begin his term with Laver Cup 2025 in San Francisco.
Agassi will take over the helm from fellow American John McEnroe who has captained Team World since the inaugural Laver Cup in Prague in 2017. McEnroe and his long-time rival Bjorn Borg, Captain of Team Europe, will go head-to-head for the last time at this year’s Laver Cup, to be held at Uber Arena in Berlin from September 20-22.
Agassi is one of only five men to achieve a career Grand Slam in the Open Era. He transformed tennis in the 90’s with his aggressive ball-striking ability, astonishing shot making and entertaining style on and off the court. One of the most charismatic players in the history of the game, Agassi’s personality, style of tennis and popularity mean he has become a global legend.
Alongside his eight major singles championship titles, he won an Olympic Gold Medal in Atlanta and 60 ATP titles during his 21-year professional career, before retiring from the game at the 2006 US Open following a four-minute standing ovation from his adoring fans.
“I am truly honored to accept the invitation to become the Laver Cup Team World Captain,” said Agassi, who will attend this year’s event in Berlin to prepare for his new role and be formally introduced as the next Team World Captain.
“In just seven short years since the Laver Cup began, it’s been so enjoyable for fans, including myself, to watch the greats of the game team up and compete against one another in this incredible team environment.”
“The competitive level of Laver Cup is off the charts and it’s easy to see why. You’re there with the team, your peers, guys you respect and everybody has a responsibility.
"For me the key will be understanding and managing the players’ needs throughout the year and really getting to know them so that I can select the matchups to give us the best chance to get wins on the board and bring home the Laver Cup.”
“I hope I can build the rapport, respect and trust with the players as John has done and I can’t wait to take on this role, it’s not one I’m taking lightly.”
“We are thrilled that Andre accepted our invitation to become Team World Captain starting with 2025,” Laver Cup Chairman and TEAM8 CEO Tony Godsick said.
“Andre is an icon of our sport. His outstanding achievements on the court, character and popularity with fans around the world make him the perfect choice to take over from John next year.”
McEnroe also believes Agassi is the right man for the job once he steps down after Berlin this year.
“I want to congratulate Andre on becoming the next Team World Captain, I know he is the right man for the job,” said McEnroe.
“The Laver Cup is very special to me, a truly incredible competition that I love being a part of. I will be rooting for him and Team World and will support him however I can.”
Since its inception, the Laver Cup has established itself as one of the most unique and exciting events on the annual tennis calendar.
The three-day competition pits six of the best men’s players from Europe against six of their counterparts from the rest of the World. Three players qualify for selection based on their PIF ATP rankings and the captains are responsible for selecting the remaining three as ‘captain’s picks’.
Borg’s successor as Team Europe Captain starting in 2025 will be announced in the coming days.
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