Lessons learned from Laver Cup San Francisco

After three days of fierce competition at Chase Center in September, the captains and vice-captains of Team Europe and Team World reflected on the camaraderie, professionalism, and high-level tennis that defined the eighth edition of the Laver Cup.

For Andre Agassi, his debut as Team World Captain was as intense as it was rewarding. Known throughout his career for his precision and passion, the eight-time major champion brought a measured, observant style to the team dynamic. The Las Vegan, who spent many years living in San Francisco during his playing days, guided Team World to a 15–9 victory, blending insight, empathy, and energy in a way that only Agassi could as he sat courtside, quite literally, on the edge of his seat.

“In some respects, it’s a little harder watching than playing,” Agassi admitted. “Because you can always have the things to focus on when you play, right? So, in this case, you’ve got to try to rally the guys’ spirit, try to rally their energy, their focus. And try to be ready for a high level of engagement. Coaching is about what somebody hears, not what you say.”

Agassi approached his role as a learner first, not a lecturer.

“It’s hard to parachute into these guys’ lives and act like you know everything. I don’t. I’m trying not to interfere with what they already do so great,” he said. “That’s number one. Trying to learn is the first role as being the captain.

My motivation has been sort of two-fold. It’s been big picture of their career as they develop into who they want to be as a player and their identity on the tennis court. – Andre Agassi

“My motivation has been sort of two-fold. It’s been big picture of their career as they develop into who they want to be as a player and their identity on the tennis court, and maybe there’s a north star I can sort shine a light on where I see them and what they’re capable of.”

“The other is finding little ways to add a nuance. We’re all fighting for margins and edges out there. You don’t realize how important they are until you live the life that they have to live on a daily basis.”

Pat’s purpose
That humility resonated with his players and vice-captain, Patrick Rafter, who described being “elevated” by the buy-in from Team World’s young stars.

“We’ve got guys from all around the world playing, and what struck me most is the buy-in from the players,” Rafter said. “Everyone was pumped up to win it … It was pretty seamless. Andre, thank you for asking me to come along, mate. I’m going to enjoy rekindling that relationship.”

Intense times for Noah and Henman
If Agassi brought calm and vision to Team World, Yannick Noah — captaining Team Europe for the first time — brought curiosity, joy, and a renewed love of competition.

“I didn’t realize how intense these games were, how fun it was for me,” Noah said with a grin. “There’s such a connection after four days. It feels great. Of course, our DNA is the game. When we play well, we bond. That’s what it’s all about.”

Though Team Europe fell short, Noah took pride in his team’s spirit and in the chance to learn from them up close.

“We wanted to come out winners, but we lost against a better team. They played great, and most of all, I think we represented the Laver Cup the best we could,” he said. “Being close to these guys and seeing how they prepare, how professional they are — it’s wonderful.”

Alongside Noah, Team Europe vice-captain Tim Henman relished being back courtside in a new capacity.

“It’s been absolutely fantastic,” Henman said. “Just to see their quality, and also the camaraderie. They are individuals and they are competitors for the vast majority of the year, but the way they’ve come together in the last couple of days, the way we’ve been looked after with the facilities and the hotel and the staff, it’s absolutely first class all the way.”

Of course, our DNA is the game. When we play well, we bond. That’s what it’s all about. – Yannick Noah

Noah appreciated time spent with his vice-captain, a former British number one who hit his prime in the late early 2000s — well after the Frenchman retired.  “Our DNA is tennis. We love tennis, and to be able to share that with him was really fun and great,” the 1983 Roland Garros champion said. “I look forward for the next year, and I have one year to become a better Captain.”

Respect earned, lessons shared

For Agassi, the Laver Cup reinforced one of his core beliefs — that leadership is about listening.

“I could help them. I could distract them, or I could make it about what it’s not. You earn respect, you don’t demand it,” he said. “What I learned is kind of what I continue to learn, which is try to do more listening than talking and try to stay out of their way. If they notice you, hopefully it’s only because, you’re adding or keeping their eyes on the prize or on the purpose.”

He also found inspiration in the players themselves.

“The common theme I took away from this group is just how confident they are in what they can do on a tennis court,” he reflected. “It was amazing to watch their calm in the midst of storms.”

That sentiment summed up the spirit of San Francisco — a tournament defined not just by winners and losers, but by understanding, teamwork and the shared language of the game. Or as Agassi put it best: “There’s just a healthy regard and respect for being together and we’re going to do our best to be there for each other.”