World No. 1 Alcaraz leads a star-studded Team Europe side that includes world No. 3 Alexander Zverev, Holger Rune, Casper Ruud, Jakub Mensik and Flavio Cobolli, but Agassi had no doubt as to who the main attraction will be in San Francisco this weekend.
“What he’s brought to the game is a mixture of the last generation we had.
“I know Novak is still playing, but Novak, Roger and Rafa — he’s like a combination of all of them in one, with the RPMs he can put (on the ball), the defence that he has like Novak, the feel that he has like Federer. To see that in one person on a tennis court is remarkable.
“(He is) one of the most explosive, dynamic players that the game has ever seen,” Agassi said. “I’ve seen him play live a few times, but to be down there on the court next to it will be something special.”
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Best bits: Alcaraz wows New York to beat Sinner and claim second US Open title
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Agassi captains Team World, who will have world No. 5 Taylor Fritz and world No. 8 Alex de Minaur at their disposal, alongside Francisco Cerundolo, Alex Michelsen, Joao Fonseca and Reilly Opelka.
Vice-captain Pat Rafter echoed Agassi’s opinions concerning Alcaraz, highlighting the incredible ways in which the Spaniard moves around the court.
“He can produce power from anywhere and no one has that power,” Rafter said. “He’s probably one of the greatest movers we’ve ever seen in the game of tennis. That combination is pretty impressive, plus he’s got all the shots.”
Rafter was also quizzed about Team World’s plans to stop Alcaraz, and believes the quick-fire format of the matches could work to their advantage.
All singles and doubles matches are best of three sets, but the third is a ten-point tie-breaker.
“This is a format, though, that creates – there’s two sets. Every one of these guys is capable of winning the set against anyone at any given time, put themselves in a situation to play in the tie-breaker to win the match. Anything is possible. That’s what I love about the concept of this event also.
“You need to throw something different at him as well. I mean, the guy has serious power. He’s a great athlete, but everyone is vulnerable at certain times. It’s about trying to go in there and coming up with a game plan when we know this, which will come out probably tomorrow, on who matches up, and then sitting down and strategising.
“Andre and I will sit down and talk to whoever gets to play him and come up with some ideas. You’re right, he’s tough. He’s brutal, and he’s at the top of his game. Let’s just hope that he had a good week off after the US Open, and he hasn’t recovered!”
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‘Completely exceeded expectations’ – Federer on how Laver Cup has evolved
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How to watch the 2025 Laver Cup
The action kicks off at 21:00 UK time on TNT Sports 4 on Friday, September 19.
The second match will follow immediately after, before the action resumes for the second set of matches at 5:00 UK time on Saturday morning.
Coverage of the second day will also start at 21:00 UK time on TNT Sports 3, before coverage of Sunday’s final round of matches gets under way at 20:00 UK time on TNT Sports 4.
