Shelton is Going to Be a Tremendous Star

By Richard Pagliaro | @Tennis_Now | Wednesday, September 18, 2024Photo credit score: Rolex for Laver Cup

John McEnroe is aiming for a successful farewell.

The Staff World captain and buddy Bjorn Borg, Staff Europe captain, are each patrolling the sidelines for the ultimate time at this weekend’s Laver Cup Berlin. 

TN Q&A: Roger Federer on RF Assortment and Greatest Match

Corridor of Famer McEnroe factors to a pair of American powerhouses—US Open finalist Taylor Fritz and 2023 US Open semifinalist Ben Shelton—as two explanation why he is optimistic Staff World can three-peat as Laver Cup champions.

We’ve some guys which can be scorching,” McEnroe informed the media in Berlin. “Taylor [Fritz], first time he acquired to a US Open remaining, that’s large for an American,” McEnroe stated. “Ben Shelton goes to be a celebrity I consider, however they’re additionally enjoying superstars already.”

Certainly, Staff Europe boasts a loaded lineup that features reigning Roland Garros and Wimbledon champion Carlos Alcaraz, Daniil Medvedev, Grigor Dimitrov, Casper Ruud, Stefanos Tsitsipas and Alexander Zverev.

“I really like Carlos,” McEnroe stated. “I’ve to confess: I hope he performs terribly this weekend.

“He’s the most important breath of recent air we’ve had within the sport in ten years.”

Andre Agassi will succeed McEnroe as Staff World captain and Yannik Noah will step in for Borg as Staff Europe captain beginning subsequent yr. McEnroe stated Staff World is in good palms with the analytical Agassi heading the squad.

“Andre goes to do an excellent job,” McEnroe stated of Agassi. “I performed him when he was 16 or 17, he had that persona, and also you simply knew one thing massive was going to occur.

“He has that particular high quality that individuals love. He’s in all probability extra analytic-driven than I’m…gamers are going to like him as properly. It’s going to be enjoyable to observe from extra of a distance the following couple of years.”