Rafter embraces Laver Cup debut as Vice Captain

For popular Australian great Patrick Rafter, the Laver Cup had long been something to watch from afar. In San Francisco, it became an immersive, high-pressure experience that left a lasting impression.

Stepping into the Vice Captaincy for the first time, Rafter joined Captain Andre Agassi as part of a new-look leadership for Team World. The pair succeeded the long-standing partnership of John and Patrick McEnroe who had led the side for seven years and delivered two titles.

Rafter and Agassi’s first campaign together proved an immediate success. Team World secured a 15–9 victory at the Chase Center, claiming a third title with a six-man lineup featuring Taylor Fritz, Alex de Minaur, Francisco Cerundolo, Alex Michelsen, Reilly Opelka, and rising Brazilian Joao Fonseca.

“I came into it not exactly knowing how it was going to play out,” recalled Rafter. “I didn’t know yet how versatile the players were. And then after about day one, day two of the practice sessions, we realized we’re on here.”

The perfect blend
What followed was a rapid shift, driven in large part by Agassi’s intensity and Rafter’s cool, reassuring presence.

“He (Agassi) wanted to win so badly. I loved it,” Rafter said. “I can’t say enough about the credibility of it. I loved the camaraderie among our team. I’m looking forward to seeing how next year plays out.”

A two-time US Open champion, Rafter was a natural fit alongside Agassi, a former rival and long-time friend whose contrasting style once posed one of the toughest challenges of his career.

“He moved you everywhere,” Rafter recalled. “He dictated play. Every serve had to be spot on. If you missed it, you got passed.”

That same precision and pressure translated into their leadership dynamic. Agassi’s presence set the tone across the week, from early practice sessions through to the final point.

“The players invested in Andre because of what he gave back,” said Rafter. “I think he’s such a great Captain. He’s a very smart cookie on the court.”

A different voice
Rafter’s own role was more measured, offering an alternative voice and being there for the players whenever they needed him.

“It was a different voice. It’s more relaxed than Andre’s,” he said. “If you need me, I’m there. If you want me to get on court with you, any time, I’m there. I was just trying to get that message across.”

He also brought a tactical nuance shaped by his serve-and-volley background.

“I think I could offer a point of difference, a game style change,” he said. “Instead of the big-hitting, bang-bang style play. A few players took on a few other things, and I really enjoyed it.”

Momentum proved decisive across the three days, with key moments swinging the tie. One such shift came when Fritz defeated Carlos Alcaraz on Day 2 in the Saturday night session.

“Taylor just went out there and said, ‘I’m throwing everything at him,’” Rafter said. “That was a whole momentum change. You can see doubt creeping into their team.”

Fritz would ultimately seal the victory for Team World, defeating Alexander Zverev in the deciding match on Sunday.

“There’s one or two points which can totally change the match structure,” Rafter said. “The boys rallied together. They believed in themselves, and hence the result.”

Now, with his first Laver Cup behind him, Rafter has already turned his attention to London. With the clay-court season underway and four places still to be filled alongside the confirmed selections of Fritz and de Minaur, the focus shifts to who can force their way into Team World.

He expects competition for spots to intensify in the months ahead, particularly after Roland Garros, but is confident in the depth at their disposal.

There is, he adds, strong demand across the board — from returning players, those who missed out through injury, and others pushing for their first opportunity on the World stage.

“A lot can happen, a lot changes, and the players are growing in confidence,” said Rafter, who has learned to treat the word ‘underdog’ with skepticism after San Francisco.

“We’ll just sit back, watch, and see what happens.”