SEPT 19 - 21, 2025 | SAN FRANCISCO
Argentina’s leading player, Francisco Cerundolo, is hungry to help Team World reclaim the Laver Cup title. The powerful ball-striker aims to extend his unbeaten record at the event, where he banked two points for the men in red by earning victories over Alejandro Davidovich Fokina and Casper Ruud in Vancouver and Berlin, respectively.
How it’s going
Known for his explosive groundstrokes, the 27-year-old has had a solid 2025. In February, the three-time ATP Tour champion was within reach of a fourth title in his hometown of Buenos Aires, where he was conquered in straight sets by João Fonseca in the final.
Cerundolo’s best result at a Grand Slam came at the Australian Open, where he made the third round. At the US Open, he suffered a five-set defeat in the second round and was upset in his first round matches at both Wimbledon and Roland Garros. At ATP Masters 1000 events, he’s produced his finest results. Cerundolo reached the quarterfinals in Indian Wells and Miami, delivering stunning upsets over Ruud and Tommy Paul. In Madrid, he earned his second win of the year over Alexander Zverev before eventually falling to Ruud in the semifinals.
The motivation to play Laver Cup
Dubbed ‘The Silent Assassin’ by Frances Tiafoe, Cerundolo says he’s excited to make his third consecutive appearance with familiar faces, whose support has proved invaluable. “Both years [I’ve played], we had a great vibe as a team, a great relationship,” he said. “We give each other some tips, what we should do in [certain] moments.”
“That’s the best thing, I think, of the Laver Cup – having teammates when during the whole year we’re rivals.”
The Argentine wants Team World to regain the upper hand this year after being forced to swallow the bitter taste of defeat in Berlin. “Last year was super close, they beat us in the last [match], we were almost there,” he said, recalling Team Europe’s come-from-behind 13-11 win, sealed when Carlos Alcaraz overcame Taylor Fritz. “Having the feeling of being the winners is fantastic,” said Cerundolo, who helped Team World lift the trophy in Vancouver. “Hopefully, we can have it again.”
While the Argentine is yet to meet the men at the helm of Team World, he said he hopes to learn as much as possible from incoming Captain Andre Agassi and Vice Captain Pat Rafter. “Agassi is a legend of our sport,” Cerundolo said of the eight-time Grand Slam champion. “He’s a guy that really understands tennis … so having a chat with him about tennis or about life is going to be great.” The studious right-hander is similarly eager to absorb lessons from Rafter, a two-time US Open winner.
“[Hopefully] he can give me some tips about how to serve and volley because back in Argentina, [it] is not the typical thing to go to the net a lot,” Cerundolo said. “It’s something that I’ve been trying to improve and add to my game in the last couple of years.”
Looking ahead to San Francisco
Cerundolo has yet to drop a set on the Laver Cup’s black court and hopes to maintain that record once he lands in the city he dreams of visiting. “I [have] really wanted to go to San Francisco ‘cause it’s my name,” he grinned, admitting that the Golden Gate Bridge is on his bucket list once he’s on the ground. “Really excited to go and play my best tennis for the team.”
The top Argentine plans to extend a warm welcome to fellow South American Fonseca, who is making his Laver Cup debut alongside another Next Gen star, Alex Michelsen. “It’s super nice to have a South American on my team,” said the right-hander, adding that he believes the Brazilian “has all the weapons he needs to beat anyone.”
“We’re going to be there to support him,” said the 27-year-old. If he’s picked for doubles by Captain Agassi, Cerundolo has a potential partner in mind: Fonseca. “Playing with João would be fantastic for Argentina, for Brazil, for South America,” he said.
