Americans Alex Michelsen and Reilly Opelka have been added to Team World for this month’s Laver Cup in San Francisco, replacing injured Ben Shelton and Tommy Paul.
Shelton sustained a shoulder injury during his US Open third-round match against Adrian Mannarino and retired with the contest level at two sets each. Paul experienced physical issues in a five-set loss to Alexander Bublik at the same stage.
Team World Aims for Victory at the Laver Cup
Team World is targeting a return to the top after Team Europe won last year in Berlin. The squad, captained by Andre Agassi, now features Taylor Fritz, Frances Tiafoe, 18-year-old Brazilian Joao Fonseca, Francisco Cerundolo, Michelsen, and Opelka. The inclusion of Michelsen and Opelka brings a fresh dynamic to the team as they prepare for the highly anticipated matches.
On the other side, Team Europe, led by captain Yannick Noah, will field formidable players including Carlos Alcaraz, Alexander Zverev, Holger Rune, Casper Ruud, Jakub Mensik, and Flavio Cobolli. This lineup showcases a blend of experienced talent and emerging stars, making the competition fierce.
Michelsen, a recent competitor at the Next Gen ATP Finals, is set for his Laver Cup debut, bringing youthful energy to Team World. Opelka, known for his powerful serve, returns to the event for the first time since 2021, adding valuable experience to the mix. The eighth edition of the tournament runs from 19 to 21 September at Chase Center, promising thrilling matchups and high-stakes tennis.
Fans can expect exhilarating performances as both teams battle for supremacy in this prestigious event. With the stakes higher than ever, the Laver Cup is sure to deliver unforgettable moments for tennis enthusiasts around the globe.