Andre Agassi embraces leadership role as Laver Cup returns to U.S.
Tennis legend Andre Agassi is back in the spotlight at the 2025 Laver Cup, stepping into his new role as captain of Team World with both intensity and humility. While the event celebrates the sport with glamour, camaraderie, and showmanship, Agassi has made it clear—he’s here to win.
Held this year at the Chase Center in San Francisco, the Laver Cup kicked off with its trademark flair, including a black-tie gala, city tours, and photo ops at landmarks like the Golden Gate Bridge. Yet amid the festivities, Agassi has brought a distinctly competitive edge to Team World, aiming to disrupt Team Europe’s long-standing dominance.
“I’m not here to mix with Team Europe—I’m locked in with my guys,” Agassi said at a pre-tournament press conference. “This team is already feeding off each other’s drive. That includes me.”
Despite being 55, Agassi showed flashes of his old brilliance even before the first serve was struck. During a practice session, he returned serves from alternate Jenson Brooksby, unleashing a vintage inside-in forehand winner that drew applause from early spectators. The competitive fire that fueled his eight Grand Slam titles is still clearly intact.
Agassi’s presence has been a standout feature at this year’s event, rivaled perhaps only by World No. 1 Carlos Alcaraz in fan appeal. His appointment to replace John McEnroe as captain has been met with enthusiasm from players and organizers alike.
“For my generation, Andre was everything,” said Laver Cup chairman Tony Godsick, who was instrumental in bringing Agassi onboard. “To have him courtside now, connecting with today’s stars, is special.”
Agassi hasn’t just been a figurehead—he’s been a constant presence on the practice court, offering guidance while respecting each player’s unique rhythm. His coaching philosophy emphasizes observation over interference.
“I haven’t wanted to miss a second on court,” he said. “Sometimes a tiny action reveals how a player thinks or feels. I’m trying to be ready for those moments—not to overwhelm, but to support.”
That approach has clearly resonated with Team World’s roster. From seasoned competitors like Taylor Fritz to rising talents such as Alex Michelson and Reilly Opelka, Agassi’s influence has been widely felt.
“Andre’s not just a legend, he’s one of the most thoughtful people I’ve met in tennis,” said Opelka. “You hear stories about him, and they’re all true—he’s generous with his time and knowledge.”
Opelka recalled how Agassi once hosted young American players like Tommy Paul and Frances Tiafoe at a training camp in Las Vegas—free of charge. “That says everything about who he is,” Opelka added.
In his 2009 autobiography Open, Agassi famously wrote about his complicated relationship with tennis and his yearning to be part of a team. Ironically, his new role gives him exactly that—a chance to contribute to a collective cause without the solitary pressure of competition.
“I’ve always believed I’d thrive more in a team setting,” Agassi reflected. “Now I get to be part of something bigger than myself—without the wear and tear of playing.”
His interest in the Laver Cup was sparked after attending the 2024 edition in Berlin. Impressed by the format and atmosphere, he accepted the captaincy with a sense of purpose and pride.
The tournament, co-created by Roger Federer and Tony Godsick, has become a cornerstone event in the tennis calendar—one that bridges generations and honors the sport’s past. Agassi, who now joins names like Bjorn Borg, Patrick Rafter, and Yannick Noah in the captain’s ranks, appreciates that legacy.
“Roger’s vision was brilliant from the start,” Agassi said. “This event honors the greats—like Rod Laver himself—and builds something lasting. I’m proud to be part of its early chapters.”
As Team World prepares to face a formidable European lineup, Agassi’s leadership could be the X-factor. Whether they win or not, his return to the game is already a victory—for tennis, and for the generations he continues to inspire.
