Pat Rafter Appointed New Vice Captain for Team World at Laver Cup
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Synopsis
Australian tennis legend Pat Rafter has been named Vice Captain of Team World for the upcoming Laver Cup, working alongside Captain Andre Agassi. Rafter, a two-time US Open winner, will debut in this role at the tournament in San Francisco from September 19-21, succeeding Patrick McEnroe.
Key Takeaways
- Pat Rafter appointed as Vice Captain for Team World.
- Successor to Patrick McEnroe since 2017.
- Debuts at the Laver Cup in San Francisco.
- Two-time US Open Champion.
- Working alongside Andre Agassi.
San Francisco, Jan 19 (NationPress) Australian tennis icon and former World No.1 Pat Rafter has been appointed as the new Vice Captain for Team World at the Laver Cup, partnering with Captain Andre Agassi.
Rafter succeeds American Patrick McEnroe, who served as Vice Captain since the tournament's first edition in Prague in 2017.
The two-time US Open Champion will make his debut in this role during the tournament's eighth edition, set to occur at San Francisco’s renowned Chase Center from September 19-21, as announced by the Laver Cup.
Throughout his career, the Australian great was a prominent figure in tennis, marked by his consecutive US Open victories in 1997 and 1998. He also reached the finals at Wimbledon in 2000 and 2001 and held the World No.1 title in 1999.
“I’m eager to immerse myself back into the professional scene and collaborate with Andre—this time on the same side of the net! We share a long history, and even though he was one of my fiercest competitors, I hold him in high regard. It’ll be wonderful to reconnect, engage with the players, and hopefully motivate the current wave of champions,” he remarked in a statement from Laver Cup.
Agassi, leading Team World for the first time this year, conveyed his excitement regarding Rafter's inclusion, stating, “Pat’s experience, leadership, and character position him as the ideal choice for this role. His legacy is undeniable, and I believe the players and I will gain immensely from his wisdom and approach. Together, we aim to cultivate a robust and dedicated team focused on securing victory in San Francisco.”
The Laver Cup features six of the top male players from Europe competing against six from the rest of the world over three days of fierce team rivalry. Each team is led by a sporting legend.
