By Richard Pagliaro | @Tennis_Now | Wednesday, September 18, 2024
Picture credit score: Rolex for Laver Cup
John McEnroe is aiming for a profitable farewell.
The Workforce World captain and buddy Bjorn Borg, Workforce Europe captain, are each patrolling the sidelines for the ultimate time at this weekend’s Laver Cup Berlin.
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Corridor of Famer McEnroe factors to a pair of American powerhouses—US Open finalist Taylor Fritz and 2023 US Open semifinalist Ben Shelton—as two explanation why he is optimistic Workforce World can three-peat as Laver Cup champions.
We now have some guys which might be sizzling,” McEnroe instructed the media in Berlin. “Taylor [Fritz], first time he acquired to a US Open remaining, that’s big for an American,” McEnroe stated. “Ben Shelton goes to be a celebrity I imagine, however they’re additionally enjoying superstars already.”
Certainly, Workforce Europe boasts a loaded lineup that features reigning Roland Garros and Wimbledon champion Carlos Alcaraz, Daniil Medvedev, Grigor Dimitrov, Casper Ruud, Stefanos Tsitsipas and Alexander Zverev.
“I like Carlos,” McEnroe stated. “I’ve to confess: I hope he performs terribly this weekend.
“He’s the most important breath of contemporary air we’ve had within the sport in ten years.”
Andre Agassi will succeed McEnroe as Workforce World captain and Yannik Noah will step in for Borg as Workforce Europe captain beginning subsequent yr. McEnroe stated Workforce World is in good fingers with the analytical Agassi heading the squad.
“Andre goes to do a fantastic job,” McEnroe stated of Agassi. “I performed him when he was 16 or 17, he had that character, and also you simply knew one thing massive was going to occur.
“He has that particular high quality that folks love. He’s in all probability extra analytic-driven than I’m…gamers are going to like him as properly. It’s going to be enjoyable to observe from extra of a distance the subsequent couple of years.”