Laver Cup: Team World finalised as Anderson’s season ends

Published by Tennismash

Jack Sock in action for Team World at the 2018 Laver Cup in Chicago (Getty Images)
Team World’s line-up at the Laver Cup is completed by Jack Sock and Taylor Fritz, the latter replacing Kevin Anderson after the South African announces he has shut down his 2019 season.

Jack Sock and Taylor Fritz rounded out Team World for Laver Cup in Geneva as Kevin Anderson withdrew from the 20-22 September event due to a knee injury.

Anderson, ranked No.5 last year but who has since slipped to 18th after struggling with right elbow and right knee injuries this year, announced he was terminating his season to get healthy for 2020.

Anderson has not played since Wimbledon, and has been restricted to just five tournaments this year.

Into the breach steps Fritz, who along with Sock was announced by Team World captain John McEnroe as part of a line-up also featuring John Isner, Milos Raonic, Nick Kyrgios and Denis Shapovalov.

“Taylor Fritz is having the best season of his career, he’s shown some blistering form this year, and had a rapid rise up the rankings to hit a high of world No.25,” McEnroe said.

“Taylor is one of the young guns to watch in world tennis. He’s only 21 years old, he gets on great with all the guys and he’ll be a great addition to the team in Geneva.

“I know Kevin is disappointed he can’t play Laver Cup this year – he was fantastic in Chicago – and we all wish him the very best with his rehab and look forward to seeing him back on the court soon.”

McEnroe said he was also delighted to announce Sock as part of his team once again. “Jack has been our MVP for the past two years,” he said.

“We’ve got to be strategic, Team Europe is going to be tough to beat. For us, doubles has been very important over the past couple of years. We’ve won the great majority of our doubles matches and obviously Jack was a big part of that.

“He’s one of the best doubles players in the world, tremendously versatile and a great team player – it’s an environment he thrives in. I think he may very well be the key to success for us in Geneva.”

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Sock said he was looking forward to playing the Laver Cup for a third time.

“It’s probably the best atmosphere any of us have ever played in,” he said.

“I’m fortunate to be playing with some of my best friends on tour, we all get on really well and have a lot of fun.

“You know the other guys have your back out there, they’re supporting you, watching your whole match, it makes you want to play your best, and I think it happens and can make a huge difference.

TEAM EUROPE TEAM WORLD
[2] Rafael Nadal [20] John Isner
[3] Roger Federer [24] Milos Raonic
[5] Dominic Thiem [27] Nick Kyrgios
[6] Alexander Zverev [30] Taylor Fritz
[7] Stefanos Tsitsipas [33] Denis Shapovalov
[11] Fabio Fognini [37 doubles] Jack Sock
Captain: Björn Borg Captain: John McEnroe

Laver Cup fast facts

  • Three-day tournament pitting a team of six of the best tennis players from Europe against six of their counterparts from the rest of the world
  • Thomas Enqvist and Patrick McEnroe are vice captains of Team Europe and Team World, respectively
  • The tournament is named in honor of Australian tennis legend Rod Laver, the only man to win two calendar-year Grand Slams
  • The inaugural Laver Cup was held at the O2 arena in Prague, Czech Republic, in September 2017; Team Europe defeated Team World 15-9
  • In September 2018 more than 90,000 fans attended the Laver Cup at the United Center in Chicago, where Team Europe once again edged out Team World to win the second Laver Cup 13-8
  • The location will rotate between major cities in Europe and the rest of the world each year.
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