Anderson, Isner, Raonic and Shapovalov confirmed to lead Team World in Geneva

World No.8 Kevin Anderson, [12] John Isner, [17] Milos Raonic and [27] Denis Shapovalov will line up for captain John McEnroe’s Team World at the third staging of the Laver Cup in Geneva this September.

McEnroe plans to keep a close eye on results over the coming weeks before naming his final two ‘Captain’s picks’ for the six-man team.

“Kevin and John were key to Team World’s near victory in 2018. And with Milos (Raonic) we add a big server who has beaten everyone on Team Europe more than once,” McEnroe said.

“Denis (Shapovalov) is my first Captain’s pick. He is a rising star that brings two more years of experience and growth since he played for me at the Laver Cup in Prague.

“We know Team Europe is incredibly strong but we are not coming to Geneva to lose. We’ve come very close the last couple of years, and the third time could definitely be the charm.”

Anderson hit a career high of world No.5 last August after a blistering year which included a run to the Wimbledon final, the Vienna title and the semis at the ATP Finals.

At Laver Cup 2018 Anderson was a force to be reckoned with. He paired with Jack Sock to defeat Novak Djokovic and Roger Federer in doubles, and then overcame Djokovic in singles in a thrilling match tiebreaker. It took a stunning performance from Team Europe’s Alexander Zverev to stop his brilliant run in the deciding match. Anderson is looking forward to lining up for Team World once again.

“It was an amazing experience to play the Laver Cup last year in Chicago, a place that is so special to me,” Anderson said. “This format brings out the best in everyone, and we came so close to winning on day three.

“It was a privilege to team up with a high-quality group of guys and work together to try and win this trophy. The Laver Cup is more than just a new event – it honors one of the greatest players of all time, Rod Laver, and the sacrifices he and his whole generation made to give us the opportunities and careers we have today.

“I can’t wait to line up again in Geneva and go all-out to get the win for Team World.”

John Isner’s 2019 results include reaching the finals of the Miami Open and the semis in Acapulco and Delray Beach and is undoubtedly one of the top performers from the first two editions of the Laver Cup.

Last year in Chicago he put in a stunning final day effort, winning the doubles to put Team World briefly in front, and then immediately after pushed Federer to the limit in singles before finally succumbing 10-7 in a deciding match tiebreak.

“The Laver Cup is one of the best events of the year, it is so much fun,” Isner said. “I’m excited to represent Team World for the third time in Geneva.

“Playing in Switzerland is going to be completely different to playing in Chicago. We are up against one of the greatest tennis teams ever, in the home country of one of the greatest players. It takes the home-court advantage to the next level. And Team World will be up for the challenge.”

Milos Raonic worked with McEnroe in 2016, when he defeated Federer in the semis at Wimbledon on his run to the finals, and looks forward to teaming up with his former mentor again.

“I can’t wait to play the Laver Cup and be part of this unique team competition,” Raonic said. John McEnroe and I have a great relationship. It will be awesome to have his energy and passion courtside to spur us on.”

Denis Shapovalov, who reached the third round of the Australian Open and the semifinals of the Miami Open, reached a career high ranking of 20 in April and the 20-year-old anticipates Team World will be very competitive in September.

“If you’re competing against the world’s best players like Rafa and Roger, then Kevin, John and Milos are the perfect teammates to have on your side,” Shapovalov said.

“The Laver Cup has a whole unique atmosphere of its own. I loved every minute of Prague, and playing under Captain McEnroe. I can’t wait to compete for the cup again in Geneva.”The star-studded Team Europe comprises world No.2 and recent Roland Garros champion Rafael Nadal, [3] Roger Federer, Roland Garros finalist [4] Dominic Thiem, [5] Alexander Zverev and [10] Fabio Fognini. Captain Björn Borg is expected to name the final team member in the coming weeks.

The third edition of the Laver Cup will take place at the Palexpo, Geneva, from September 20-22, 2019. Team Europe hoisted the trophy at the inaugural event in Prague in 2017 and in Chicago in 2018.

Laver Cup fast facts:

• The Laver Cup is a three-day tournament pitting a team of six of the best tennis players from Europe against six of their counterparts from the rest of the world
• Björn Borg is captain of Team Europe and John McEnroe is captain of Team World
• Thomas Enqvist and Patrick McEnroe are vice captains of Team Europe and Team World, respectively
• Rafael Nadal, Roger Federer, Dominic Thiem, Alexander Zverev and Fabio Fognini are confirmed to play for Team Europe. One position remains to be filled
• Kevin Anderson, John Isner, Milos Raonic and Denis Shapovalov will play for Team World. Two players are yet to be announced
• The tournament is named in honor of Australian tennis legend Rod Laver, the only man to win two calendar-year Grand Slams, and one of the greatest players of all time
• The unique format of the tournament showcases tennis superstars competing on the same team, playing singles, pairing up in doubles and cheering each other on from the sidelines
• The inaugural Laver Cup was held at the O₂ arena in Prague, Czech Republic, in September 2017, with Team Europe defeating Team World 15-9
• In September 2018 more than 90,000 fans attended the Laver Cup at the United Center in Chicago, where Team Europe once again edged out Team World to win the second Laver Cup 13-8
• The location will rotate between major cities in Europe and the rest of the world each year.