This marks Crew World’s first try to defend a Laver Cup.
It’s the first Laver Cup during which not one of the Huge 4 of Roger Federer, Rafael Nadal, Novak Djokovic or Andy Murray are scheduled to play. Federer retired in an emotional farewell on the 2022 Laver Cup on the O2 Area.
“I’m wanting ahead to bringing the crew collectively in Vancouver,” mentioned McEnroe. “It’s a proficient group, with each expertise and youth. Taylor, Frances, Felix and Tommy had been all a part of our win in London and that provides us quite a lot of confidence coming into this yr. We’re feeling good about our possibilities.”
In an ESPN Zoom name with the media to advertise ESPN’s US Open protection beginning on Monday, McEnroe known as on the Tour to offer extra assist to Laver Cup and mentioned both this yr or subsequent will likely be his final as captain.
“I really like Laver Cup. I idolize Laver, Roger Federer. By no means going to satisfy a classier particular person than him,” McEnroe mentioned. “I imagine that the Laver Cup needs to be preserved.
“My days are numbered; I have been doing this for some time. They are going to get new captains quickly, within the subsequent yr or two. It has been quite a lot of enjoyable, nevertheless it’s bought to be supported by everybody within the sport, and I do not imagine it has the whole assist, whether or not it is the ATP — we do not wish to get into the politics of it.
“Typically scheduling is a matter with gamers, whether or not they will Asia or whether or not there is a Davis Cup. It looks as if — it is irritating to really feel like — as a result of the purpose was to attempt to make it like golf’s Ryder Cup the place everybody was ready till the final minute to see who was hottest, however everybody was out there, and it would not appear to be the case now. It is harder to get everybody dedicated.”
Paul, World No. 14 within the Pepperstone ATP Rankings, is having fun with a latest run of kind having upset World No.1 and Wimbledon Champion Carlos Alcaraz two weeks in the past en path to his first ATP Masters 1000 semifinal in Toronto. He skilled his first Laver Cup final yr as an alternate.
Argentina’s Cerundolo and American phenom Shelton will likely be making their Laver Cup debuts in Vancouver.
“It’s an honor to be requested to signify Crew World,” mentioned Cerundolo. “It’s a particular alternative to have the ability to compete towards one of the best on the planet, alongside my teammates, below the steerage of one of many all-time greats John McEnroe, I can’t wait.”
Shelton added, “I’m so grateful to Captain McEnroe for inviting me to be a part of the crew and am excited to study from all my teammates and coaches and contribute nonetheless I can.”
Poland’s Hurkacz can even make his Laver Cup debut when he joins Crew Europe. The 26-year-old has received six ATP Tour singles titles and reached a profession excessive rating of No.9 in 2021, making him the highest-ranked Polish singles participant in ATP historical past. He additionally reached his first Grand Slam semifinal that yr, defeating eight-time Wimbledon champion Roger Federer within the last singles match of his profession.
“I’m actually wanting ahead to Laver Cup week” mentioned Hurkacz. “Will probably be nice to crew up in Vancouver with a few of my rivals below the management of Captain Borg. I’ll do my half to assist Crew Europe take again the title.”
Monfils has loved a resurgence on the American hard-courts over latest weeks.
The 36-year-old Frenchman, a former World No.6, upset Tsitsipas to succeed in the quarterfinals in Toronto after which went on to upset World No.16 Cameron Norrie and World No.13 Alex de Minaur to succeed in the spherical of 16 on the ATP Masters 1000 final week in Cincinnati.
“I’m very proud of our crew.” mentioned Borg. “Hubert and Gael are two nice additions. In whole, on paper, we needs to be the favorites. Nonetheless, it’s by no means straightforward. We’re wanting ahead to attending to Vancouver and will likely be prepared to present it all the things to win again the title.”
Named in honor of Australian tennis legend Rod Laver, winner of the calendar-year Grand Slam in 1962 and 1969, the Laver Cup is performed on a dramatic black court docket that will likely be constructed inside Rogers Area.
The three-day competitors sees rivals develop into teammates as six of the highest males’s tennis gamers from Europe face off towards six of their counterparts from the remainder of the world.
Multi-session ticket packages and single-session tickets for Laver Cup Vancouver 2023 are on sale through Ticketmaster.
Photograph credit score: Laver Cup
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