SEPT 20 - 22, 2024 | BERLIN
Chilean world No.22 Alejandro Tabilo is the first player from his country to represent on John McEnroe’s six-man roster. He joins the reigning champions at a time when Team World’s confidence is riding high and hopes to make a memorable debut in Berlin.
How it’s going
Born in Toronto to Chilean parents Ricardo and Maria, the 27-year-old moved to the United States when he was 13, and to Santiago five years later. Inspired by the feats of Chilean tennis stars Nicolas Massu and Fernando Gonzelez, Tabilo enjoyed a breakout 2024 season, winning his first titles at Auckland in January and the Mallorca Open on grass in June.
A career-high ranking of No.19 followed as Tabilo reached the third round at Wimbledon and the Round of 16 at the ATP Masters 1000 in Montreal. His most impressive run came on clay at the ATP Masters 1000 in Rome, where Tabilo eliminated No.1-ranked Novak Djokovic in straight sets. He continued onto the semifinals, stopped only by eventual champion Alexander Zverev 1-6 7-6(4) 6-2.
The motivation to play the Laver Cup
The English and Spanish speaking Tabilo said he had been eager to compete at the Laver Cup since the competition began, and would much rather take up a position on the player bench than watch the drama unfold on television from afar, seeing what it means “with all the top players playing.”
He loved how emotionally-charged the Laver Cup was, notably when Roger Federer retired at the fifth edition in London 2022, and was thrilled to be selected by Captain McEnroe. Tabilo thrives in team competition and was close to playing college tennis before the left-hander turned pro in 2015.
“I really like team competition, so hopefully I can bring some energy to Team World,” he said.
“I feel like it’s so much nicer just being able to rely on your teammates also. Them being there pumping you up, giving you that energy, it feels so good and it’s just a little different from being always so alone on court just in the normal tour, having to try and compete by yourself.”
Role on Team World
Along with claiming his first ATP singles titles this year, Alejandro made inroads in doubles, winning his first ATP Tour doubles trophy with fellow Chilean Tomas Barrios Vera in Santiago. Then in Mallorca, where he won the singles crown, Tabilo was runner-up in the doubles teaming with Ecuadorian Diego Hidalgo. “I’m pretty good at doubles,” he noted. “Hopefully I can support the team a lot. I’ve been having a great year so hopefully I can keep with that confidence, been playing very aggressive. I’ve grown up playing in indoor hard, so that’s something I feel comfortable with also … with the team, I can really get pumped up and show the energy.”
Tabilo has great respect for the illustrious careers of the Laver Cup’s namesake Rod Laver, and Captain McEnroe, and feels honored to be part of Team World’s 2024 ensemble. “It’s just unbelievable. And hopefully I can take this week and just soak up all the experience,” he enthused. “It’s going to be unforgettable. Hopefully I can learn a lot there.”
Having watched the Laver Cup each year, Tabilo has no doubts that he will slot in with Team World’s expressive bench antics. “I love the chemistry that they have. I’ve seen it almost every year. And I love how they know each other very well when they win a point, they have their own little celebrations, which is nice. And hopefully I can be part of that. It’s going to be a great week and hopefully we can get that win.”
Read Alejandro’s full Team World profile
