Frances Tiafoe replaces John Isner in Laver Cup Team World roster
Frances Tiafoe will take the place of world number 42 John Isner as part of Team World for the fifth edition of the Laver Cup later this month.
The 24-year-old American, who is not part of the Team USA roster for the Davis Cup Group Stage, will make his third appearance at the tournament at London’s O2 as his first time back on court since the US Open semi-finals. Tiafoe failed to secure a win in either of the two singles matches he played in 2017 and 2018.
Isner, 37, was forced to forego a fifth consecutive Laver Cup appearance after fracturing his left wrist in his opening round US Open match, meaning he misses the event for the first time.
“I love Laver Cup competition,” Tiafoe said according to Eurosport. “It’s an incredible event and I hope I can win points for Team World in London this time. I know what to expect and I think we have a great chance this year of taking the title from Team Europe.”
Tiafoe, now ranked 19th in the world, joins Felix Auger-Aliassime, Indian Wells champion Taylor Fritz, Alex de Minaur, Diego Schwartzman and Jack Sock in a Team World captained by seven-time Slam champion John McEnroe.
“I am thrilled to have Frances on the team,” McEnroe said. “He has raised his game to a whole new level [at the US Open]and has shown that he can compete and win against the best players on the tour. Plus, he brings a positive energy that should help the entire team.”
Team World will take on four-time Laver Cup defending champions Team Europe, who are set to boast Roger Federer, Rafael Nadal, Novak Djokovic and Andy Murray among their ranks, plus world number two Casper Ruud and number six Stefanos Tsitsipas for good measure.
? Free >> Join our legendary newsletter
? Join >> Receive $700/£600 of tennis gear from the Tennishead CLUB
? Social >> Facebook, Twitter, Instagram & YouTube
? Read >> World’s best tennis magazine
? Watch >> How to enjoy ATP/WTA/Slam tennis on TV
? Shop >> Lowest price tennis gear from our trusted partner