Nick Kyrgios confirms 2023 Laver Cup appearance for Team World in Vancouver, Holger Rune called up to Team Europe
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Updated 26/04/2023 at 08:10 GMT
Nick Kyrgios will link up with John McEnroe's Team World for the event in Canada which begins on September 22. Kyrgios will line up alongside Felix Auger-Aliassime, Taylor Fritz and Frances Tiafoe for Team World. Meanwhile, Holger Rune, Stefanos Tsitsipas and Andrey Rublev have been confirmed as players for Team Europe. Last year's edition saw Roger Federer memorably bow out of tennis.
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Nick Kyrgios has announced his participation at the 2023 Laver Cup for Team World, with Holger Rune called up for the first time to Team Europe.
Kyrgios, last year’s Wimbledon finalist, is currently recovering from knee surgery and is yet to play a competitive match in 2023, but confirmed his appearance in the tournament on social media.
He said on Instagram: “Kid from Canberra representing the world. Can’t wait to join the team and assisting in any way possible. Let’s go, this journey has been crazy.”
Kyrgios joins a team led by captain John McEnroe, and will be hoping to get back in the swings of things after a stellar year in 2022.
After winning the Australian Open men’s doubles title alongside compatriot Thanasi Kokkinakis, he reached the Wimbledon singles final to become the first unseeded Grand Slam men’s finalist since 2008.
“Nick is one of the most talented guys on tour,” said seven-time Grand Slam Singles Champion McEnroe in quotes published to Lavercup.com.
“We saw the level of tennis he’s capable of last year at Wimbledon and we’re all looking forward to seeing him on the court again soon. He brings great energy and passion.
"I’m excited to have him back on the team in Vancouver.”
This will be the Australian’s fifth appearance at the Laver Cup after Prague (2017), Chicago (2018), Geneva (2019) and Boston (2021), and he is eager to compete at the tournament after Team World claimed their first title in London last year, winning 13-8 having trailed 8-4 ahead of the final day.
“The fact that Team World finally got one on the board is amazing,” added Kyrgios. “I’ve been a part of the team four times and we came up short after being close so many times. The fact that now we know we can do it is a special thing.
"Hopefully, I can just add to that team, not change the spirit up too much, just add some positive vibes and see if we can get it done again.”
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Nick Kyrgios (Laver Cup 2021)
Image credit: Getty Images
Kyrgios will line up alongside Canadian Felix Auger-Aliassime and Americans Taylor Fritz and Frances Tiafoe for Team World.
Meanwhile, Holger Rune, Stefanos Tsitsipas and Andrey Rublev have been confirmed as players for Team Europe.
Rune, who will make his debut at the event, said: "I’m so honoured to be part of Team Europe in Vancouver this year.
"I’ve watched Laver Cup over the past few years and love the event. The competition is so intense and getting to really know the personalities of your rivals so unique.
"It has been a goal of mine to make the team and I can’t wait to be a part of it.”
The procedure for selection sees the highest three ranked players for each team receiving a guaranteed invitation based on their ranking the first Monday after Wimbledon on July 17.
The remaining three players are captains’ picks, which can be named at any time ahead of the US Open. Kyrgios is one of McEnroe’s picks as Team World captain.
Last year's Laver Cup was hugely momentous as it signalled the final appearance on court of Roger Federer, who bowed out tearfully in a doubles match alongside great friend and rival Rafael Nadal.
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