Frances Tiafoe will join Team World at the Laver Cup in Chicago this weekend, following the withdrawal of Juan Martin del Potro who is recovering from his spectacular run to the final of the US Open.
Twelve months ago Tiafoe opened the Laver Cup as a Captain’s Pick and now, after a breakout year on the tour, he has well and truly arrived on the world stage. In February he won his maiden ATP title at Delray Beach, upsetting world No.3 del Potro, Hyeon Chung and Denis Shapovalov en-route to the final and claiming the championship match.
Tiafoe was a member of Team World at the inaugural Laver Cup in Prague and is excited about playing in Chicago.
“Laver Cup was one of the highlights of 2017 for me, I had an awesome time and I’m so excited to join the team again and represent Team World in Chicago,” Tiafoe said.
Chicagoans love their sports and I’m sure we’ll get some loud support for Team World. – Frances Tiafoe
“Last year we had a fantastic time in Prague and I’m really looking forward to playing at ‘home’ here in the USA. Chicagoans love their sports and I’m sure we’ll get some loud support for Team World. I can’t wait.”
Team World captain John McEnroe was impressed with Tiafoe’s efforts at the Laver Cup in Prague and has welcomed him back to the team with open arms.
“Frances was a great team player at Laver Cup last year and it’s fantastic to have him on board again for Chicago.
“He’s had a terrific year, he’s won a title, hit a career high ranking and he’s still just 20 years old. He’s definitely one of the young guns coming through and I’m expecting to see big things from him.
“Frances is a real X-factor player and loves the big occasion. He’ll be right at home with a big, and loud American crowd cheering him on.”
“I’m looking forward to helping bring out the best in him and the rest of Team World, and am convinced we can defeat Team Europe in Chicago this weekend,” McEnroe continued.