Andre Agassi lands top coaching role. Roger Federer to follow in his footsteps?

Shahida Jacobs 22 May 2024 2:19 PM

Andre Agassi and John McEnroe Laver Cup announcement

Andre Agassi to replace John McEnroe as Team World captain

Team World have confirmed that tennis legend Andre Agassi will take over as Laver Cup captain after this year’s tournament while Team Europe are also set to announce a new mentor in the coming days.

Former world No 1 Agassi will replace fellow tennis legend John McEnroe, who has been in charge since the inaugural Laver Cup in 2017.

McEnroe and Team Europe captain Bjorn Borg will both stand after the 2024 edition in Berlin Germany with eight-time Grand Slam winner Agassi getting the nod as McEnroe’s replacement.

“I am truly honoured to accept the invitation to become the Laver Cup Team World Captain,” Agassi said.

“In just seven short years since the Laver Cup began, it’s been so enjoyable for fans, including myself, to watch the greats of the game team up and compete against one another in this incredible team environment.

“The competitive level of Laver Cup is off the charts and it’s easy to see why. You’re there with the team, your peers, guys you respect, and everybody has a responsibility. For me the key will be understanding and managing the players’ needs throughout the year and really getting to know them so that I can select the matchups to give us the best chance to get wins on the board and bring home the Laver Cup.

“I hope I can build the rapport, respect and trust with the players as John has done and I can’t wait to take on this role, it’s not one I’m taking lightly.”

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Laver Cup organisers have confirmed that “Borg’s successor as Team Europe Captain starting in 2025 will be announced in the coming days”.

There has been speculation that 20-time Grand Slam winner Roger Federer will take over with the Swiss himself making no secret of the fact that he would like to captain Team Europe in future.

“I see myself as a team captain one day, but I would like to see someone in this position who belongs to the generation after Rod Laver. Someone in the 50 to 65 age group. These guys deserve it first, before it’s my turn,” he said in an interview in February.

Fellow greats Boris Becker, Stefan Edberg and Mats Wilander are the men who fit in the 50 to 60 category, but they have not indicated that they are interested in the job.

As for McEnroe, he will look to finish his spell as captain on a high as Team World are searching for a third consecutive title.

After Team Europe dominated the first four events, Team World won by a narrow margin in 2022 before dominating the 2023 edition 13-2 in Vancouver, Canada.

McEnroe is delighted Agassi will take over from him.

“I want to congratulate Andre on becoming the next Team World Captain, I know he is the right man for the job,” the former world No 1 said.

“The Laver Cup is very special to me, a truly incredible competition that I love being a part of. I will be rooting for him and Team World and will support him however I can.”