Key Takeaways
- Taylor Fritz credited captain Andre Agassi as the true guide for Team World, saying: “Andre’s our captain. Andre is our leader.”
- Andre Agassi addressed player physical demands and Ben Shelton’s withdrawal, stating: “Nothing matters more to me than my players.”
- Alexander Bublik brought humor to the press conference about his restrictions, joking: “I’m the trash talk guy.”
Team World prepares for London title defense
Reigning champions Team World have gathered at The O2 in London ahead of the ninth edition of the Laver Cup from September 25-27, 2026. After capturing their first victory under captain Andre Agassi in San Francisco 12 months earlier, the squad is aiming to retain the trophy against Team Europe.
Addressing the team dynamic and leadership roles during the official pre-event press conference, Taylor Fritz made it clear who sets the tone for the group. “Andre’s our captain. Andre is our leader,” Fritz explained when asked about taking on senior responsibilities. “I’m definitely the probably like the oldest one here and I’ve played Laver Cup the most. But no, it’s definitely not like that.”
Reflecting on the electric atmosphere that fuels his performances at the competition, Fritz emphasized how the environment elevates his game: “I just feel like it’s pretty tough not to get really fired up and like give it everything you have when you have, you know, all these guys on the bench going crazy for you. You got Andre on the bench going crazy. Like, it’s so tough to not get really fired up in that type of environment.”
Roster adjustments and squad chemistry
The squad experienced a late change when Ben Shelton was forced to withdraw. Brandon Nakashima received the call to step in and did not hesitate to join the team in London. “Definitely wasn’t expecting the call last minute. Obviously unfortunate Ben Shelton had to had to retire, get some rest, but yeah, it was a quick yes for me to be a part of the team to to be a part of this event,” Nakashima said, adding that “it’s been amazing so far.”
Newcomer Alexander Bublik also brought his characteristic humor to the media room, discussing his role among teammates and tactical guidelines from captain Agassi and vice-captain Pat Rafter. “I signed certain papers between Pat and Andre to never underarm serve here, you know, not to smile after points, you know,” Bublik joked. “So, it’s really strict for me here, but I just came here to bring the good tennis and, you know, bring some laughs in. And, you know, as Taylor said in our group chat, I’m the trash talk guy. So, I’m just talking to Team Europe in case something something’s off.”
Agassi on calendar demands and Bublik’s potential
Rafter highlighted the intense year-round preparation Agassi pours into the competition, noting how their conversations become “really full on” in the final weeks leading into the matches. When asked about player workload and the demanding tennis calendar, Agassi reiterated that athlete health must come first, recalling Shelton’s phone call prior to the tournament.
“I always err on the side of the players,” Agassi stated. “I said to him, Ben, before you even say anything, I need you to know like nothing matters more to me than my players. And that’s not just for Laver Cup, but for their careers.”
Agassi also offered detailed insight into captain’s pick Bublik, explaining his philosophy on maximizing natural talent rather than forcing perfection on the court. “Somewhere in between that pendulum is his answer,” Agassi observed. “So when I look at him I try to remind him that you know while you can live on a high wire act and get away with it only speaks to how good you are. Let’s also remember there’s 6 other ways to win a tennis match.”
Laver Cup competition rules
| Day | Points awarded per win | Total points target | Decider condition |
|---|---|---|---|
| Friday | 1 point | 13 points to win title | Played if tied 12:12 after 12 matches |
| Saturday | 2 points | 13 points to win title | Played if tied 12:12 after 12 matches |
| Sunday | 3 points | 13 points to win title | 5th match decider on Sunday determines winner |
Taylor Fritz in 2026
Now the world no.10, the American played his last match on the 5th of September when he was overcome by world no.22 Francisco Cerundolo 3-6 4-6 6-3 6-4 6-4 in the 3rd round of the U.S. Open (draw).
This year Taylor owns a composed 33-16 win-loss record. The American conquered 1 title in Washington.
