With the US Open now behind us, men’s tennis moves westward—about 3,000 miles—from New York to San Francisco, which will host the eighth edition of the distinctive Laver Cup from September 19-21.
Conceived by Roger Federer, his management team, and Tennis Australia as a tribute to the legendary Rod Laver, the Laver Cup is a unique, three-day team event that unites tennis’s top players in a rare format. Its blend of star power, iconic captains, intimate camera work, courtside dialogue, and an innovative scoring system creates a thrilling atmosphere, often delivering suspense and drama right to the final match.
Teams and Leadership
Defending champions Team Europe have dominated historically, winning the first four editions and five titles overall. Team World broke through with their first victory on the road in London in 2022 and successfully defended the title in Vancouver last year. After seven years under John and Patrick McEnroe’s leadership, Team World’s captaincy in 2025 passes to two Hall of Famers—Andre Agassi and Patrick Rafter.
Agassi, a shrewd tennis analyst and three-time Davis Cup champion, brings deep experience and insight. Rafter, a proud Australian steeped in his nation’s strong team tennis tradition and mentored by legends Tony Roche and John Newcombe, promises wisdom and leadership courtside.
Players to Watch on Team World
Among Team World’s veterans are Americans Frances Tiafoe and Taylor Fritz, whose combined nine Laver Cup appearances make them clear leaders. Tiafoe, ranked 29th globally, debuted at just 19 in 2017 and was pivotal in Team World’s historic 2022 title run, famously clinching the championship with a dramatic win over Stefanos Tsitsipas.
“It’s an unbelievable feeling,” Tiafoe said after the 2022 win. “We all did it together; it wasn’t just me. I showed a lot of heart to get this done. This is big.”
Tiafoe also contributed three wins in the 2023 title defense and, despite an early US Open exit, is expected to bring high energy and determination to San Francisco.
Taylor Fritz, America’s top-ranked male at No. 5, has enjoyed a strong summer with two grass-court titles and deep runs at Wimbledon and the US Open. Though he reached the US Open final last year, Fritz left New York hungry to improve.
Joining them are Argentine Francisco Cerundolo and American big-server Reilly Opelka. Cerundolo, ranked 21st, boasts a 2-0 Laver Cup record. Opelka, who peaked at No. 17 but has battled injuries, has rebounded in 2025, climbing from nearly 300 in the world to No. 63.
Completing the roster are two exciting newcomers: 21-year-old Californian Alex Michelsen, known for his crafty, tactical play, and 19-year-old Brazilian sensation Jose Fonseca, 2025’s breakout teen, who surged from No. 158 to No. 42 this year and captured his first ATP Tour title in Buenos Aires.
