Felix Auger-Aliassime Rejects John McEnroe’s Offer to Play at Laver Cup 2019

The Laver Cup 2019 is all set to start from September 20 in Geneva with Team Europe and Team World completing their recruitment for the third edition of the three-day event.

While Bjorn Borg had already stalled his team without any problems whatsoever, the captain of the Team World, John McEnroe completed his team after a lot of difficulties. It has been revealed that John McEnroe had contacted Felix-Auger Aliassime and Kei Nishikori to play the Laver Cup 2019 and were the initial choices for the Team World but both of them rejected.

McEnroe divulged that the Canadian’s agent told him he had a commitment with the ATP 250 Chengdu, which is scheduled to start from 23 to 29 September.

In an interview during the US Open 2019, McEnroe said, “I tried to get him on the team, he (Auger-Aliassime) passed on the Laver Cup 2019… His team and agent wanted him to go and play Chengdu. I’m not often at a loss for words, but definitely got me on that one.”

In addition, It would not be an easy trip for Felix-Auger Aliassime, as he lives in Canada and would have to make it to Europe just for one event. The 19-year-old will instead commence his Asian swing in Chengdu. On the other hand, Nishikori has many off-court activities with sponsors prior to the Japan Open in Tokyo.

Jack Sock and his compatriot Taylor Fritz filled up the last spots in the Team World after the package of Kevin Anderson. Apart from them, John McEnroe’s team comprises of John Isner, Milos Raonic, Nick Kyrgios and Denis Shapovalov.

On the other hand,  Roger Federer, Rafael Nadal, Dominic Thiem, Alexander Zverev, Stefanos Tsitsipas, and Fabio Fognini will be playing for Team Europe.

Earlier, the Laver Cup merged with the ATP Tour and consequently, the head-to-head record among the participants of the event was updated in the ATP records. However, no ATP Ranking points will be awarded to the players.