‘Took me by surprise’: Aussie legend announces big return after decade-long absence

Pat Rafter is making a return to elite level tennis with the former world number one appointed vice-captain of Team World for this year’s Laver Cup.

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The Australian tennis legend will join forces with one of his biggest rivals from his playing days in Andre Agassi as the American great, who is captain, called up Rafter to get him on board for the eighth edition of the tournament in San Francisco on September 19-21.

Two-time US Open champion Rafter was last actively involved in the professional game as Australia’s Davis Cup captain in 2015, and he will take over from Patrick McEnroe who has been vice-captain since the inaugural Laver Cup in Prague in 2017.

“I’m incredibly honoured to join Team World as vice-captain,” Rafter said.

“The Laver Cup is one of the most exciting events in tennis and when Andre asked me to come on-board, while it took me by surprise, it was an easy decision for me since he’s a great guy and I’ve always loved team competition.

“I’m looking forward to dipping my toe back in the professional game and working alongside Andre – on the same side of the net this time! We go back a long way and though he was one of my biggest rivals, I have nothing but respect for him. It’ll be great to reconnect, get to know the players, and hopefully inspire the current generation of champions.”

Agassi, who is taking on captaincy duties for the first time, was thrilled to bring Rafter into the set-up.

“I couldn’t be happier that Pat has agreed to join our team. On a personal note, he was always one of the players I respected and enjoyed competing against the most,” Agassi said.

“Pat’s experience, leadership and character make him the perfect fit for this role. His legacy speaks for itself, and I know the players, and I, will benefit tremendously from his insights and demeanour. Together we will be focused on building a strong and committed team with the goal to win in San Francisco.”

The Laver Cup pits six of the best men’s players from Europe against six of their counterparts from the rest of the World over three days of intense team competition. Each team is captained by a legend of the sport.

The tournament, named in honour of Australian legend Rod Laver, has created some of the most heartwarming moments in tennis in recent years including Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal playing doubles together as part of Federer’s farewell from the sport.

Australians Alex de Minaur, Nick Kyrgios and Thanasi Kokkinakis have all featured for Team World previously.

For this year’s tournament, Carlos Alcaraz is confirmed to play for Team Europe, while American Taylor Fritz is locked in to play for Team World.