Kyrgios, Isner, Opelka, Shapovalov to headline ‘Team World’ at the 2021 Laver Cup

The stage for the 4th edition of the Laver Cup is set with Team World announcing their final lineup. Denis Shapovalov will be the highest ranked player in the team comprising of Americans Reilly Opelka and John Isner, Felix Auger-Aliassime, Diego Schwartzman and Nick Kyrgios. The event will be held from September 24-26 at Boston, USA.

Team World’s captain John McEnroe revealed the team on Thursday and spoke about his mindset behind picking Opelka. He also shared how the losses over the previous years has prepared the players and how playing in Boston will help the team.

“Reilly had a great run last week in Toronto to reach the finals and I’ve been really impressed with his recent form,” McEnroe said. “He’s a young guy and new to the Laver Cup, but with John and Nick having been part of the Laver Cup since the start, we have a ton of experience on our side and that’s going to be critical,” he said.

“We’ve had some tough losses over the past couple of years and have come painfully close, especially last year when we were just a tie-break away from victory. I believe that with the energy of the home crowd behind us and maybe a little bit of luck we can get the win this time!” 

‘Laver Cup is my favorite week of the year’: Nick Kyrgios

Opelka will make his Laver Cup debut this year and expressed his excitement regarding the same. “I’m very excited to be representing Team World at the Laver Cup in Boston,” Opelka said.

“Playing in the U.S. in an arena like TD Garden, with John McEnroe as our captain, is going to be a surreal experience. I can’t wait.” 

Isner and Kyrgios, who will be making a record 4th consecutive appearances at the Laver Cup too expressed their feelings. “None of us really knew what to expect that first year in Prague, but it was one of the most incredible weeks and is now a highlight of my year,” Isner said.

“To be on a team with guys we’re normally competing against is so different and so much fun. We come together so well as a group, the chemistry is awesome and it’s such a great environment to be part of.” 

“Laver Cup is my favorite week of the year and I just love being part of the team. It’s going to be unreal playing at TD Garden, home of the Celtics,” Kyrgios said. “Boston fans love their sports, so if we can win the Laver Cup anywhere, then TD Garden and Boston, one of the greatest sports cities in the world, is the place to do it.” 

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