The 2025 Laver Cup in San Francisco promised a star-studded American lineup under new World Captain Andre Agassi, but injuries have shaken the roster. Ben Shelton and Tommy Paul withdrew last week, replaced by Alex Michelsen and Reilly Opelka, and now Frances Tiafoe has also pulled out. Agassi has turned to the fiery Aussie Alex de Minaur, who is sending a clear, bold message as he steps into the breach. The team world may have lost key names, but with De Minaur’s grit and determination, the Laver Cup battle is set to ignite with intensity and unpredictability.

A few hours ago, the official Laver Cup X account confirmed a major roster update. “Team World roster update. World No. 8 and top-ranked Australian Alex de Minaur will join Team World in San Francisco, replacing American Frances Tiafoe. Captain Andre Agassi is counting on De Minaur to bring his trademark grit and energy to Chase Center,” the post read, signaling a significant shift ahead of the high-stakes clash.

De Minaur himself has embraced the challenge, expressing his excitement and determination. “I will bring a lot of energy to Team World this year. I love team competitions, I think it brings out the best in me,” he said, promising to ignite the team with his passion and relentless drive.

Frances Tiafoe is representing the United States this weekend in Davis Cup action against the Czech Republic in Delray Beach, Florida, leaving a gap in the Laver Cup lineup. On the other side, Alex de Minaur brings experience and fire to Team World, having made his debut at the 2022 Laver Cup. This year, Andre Agassi will lead the squad, stepping in as captain to replace John McEnroe.

“It’s an honour to join Captain Agassi and Team World in San Francisco next week,” De Minaur said, reflecting on his 1-0 record at the competition. “My first Laver Cup back in 2022 in London was an incredible experience and I will be ready to give it everything I’ve got to help the team lift the Laver Cup at Chase Center.”

De Minaur boasts an impressive 41-16 season record, as per Win-Loss stats. The Aussie has stormed into the quarterfinals at six of the past eight Grand Slams, including this year’s Australian Open and US Open, where he fell to Canada’s Felix Auger-Aliassime. His breakthrough moment came in July when he captured his first title of the season at the ATP 500 event in Washington, adding another milestone to his stellar year.

With the Aussie now powering Team World, all eyes turn to Andre Agassi. Losing Tiafoe, one of America’s key players, is a significant blow, but Agassi’s leadership and De Minaur’s grit may be the perfect combination to challenge the home favorites and keep the Laver Cup battle fiercely competitive.

Andre Agassi reacts to Tiafoe missing the Laver Cup

The 2025 edition marks the seventh chapter of the Laver Cup’s growing legacy. Since its debut in Prague back in 2017, Team Europe has ruled the stage, taking four more crowns in Chicago (2018), Geneva (2019), Boston (2021), and Berlin (2024). Team World finally broke through in London in 2022: an emotional edition that doubled as Federer’s farewell, and followed it up with a second win in Vancouver last year. The head-to-head now stands at 5-2 in Europe’s favor.

But this year, Team World suffered a gut punch with Frances Tiafoe bowing out due to Davis Cup duties. Andre Agassi didn’t hide his emotions. “We will miss Frances’ energy and game in San Francisco,” he said, before striking a more hopeful tone.

“However, we couldn’t be more thrilled to add one of the best and most in-form players in the world to our team. I’ve admired the way Alex plays and competes from afar and now look forward to having a front row seat to watching him perform.”

Team Europe arrives loaded, boasting US Open champion Carlos Alcaraz, Miami Open winner Jakub Mensik, and stalwarts Casper Ruud and Alexander Zverev.

Team World fires back with California native Taylor Fritz, rising stars Joao Fonseca, Francisco Cerundolo, and Alex Michelsen. 

The battle ignites September 19-21 on Tennis Channel. Who’s your pick?