Former world No. 1 Pat Rafter has been confirmed as vice-captain for the 2025 Laver Cup. The Australian tennis legend will join Andre Agassi to lead Team World in the next edition of the tournament founded by Roger Federer.
Since its inception in 2017, until the most recent edition in 2024, the captains have been Grand Slam legends John McEnroe for Team World and Bjorn Borg for Team Europe. However, for 2025, a shift in leadership was announced, with Yannick Noah taking over for Team Europe and Agassi for Team World.
During John McEnroe’s tenure as captain, his brother Patrick McEnroe served as vice-captain. With McEnroe stepping down, Agassi invited his former rival Rafter to join him on Team World’s leadership team.
“It’s an honor to take on this role,” said the 2-time US Open champion. “The Laver Cup is a phenomenal event, and being part of something that honors Rod Laver and past generations of tennis is very special to me."
Former vice-captain Patrick McEnroe endorsed Rafter’s appointment: “He’s a Hall of Famer and one of the classiest players in tennis,” McEnroe said. “This is a big step forward for the team.”
The 2025 Laver Cup will mark its 8th edition and is set to take place at the Chase Center in San Francisco. So far, Team Europe has claimed victory in 5 of the 7 editions, including the most recent one in 2024. The players with the most appearances in the tournament are Alexander Zverev and Frances Tiafoe, both having participated five times. Notably, Zverev has been part of all five of Europe’s titles.
Cristhián AvilaTennis Journalist
Cristhián Ávila is a tennis journalist based in Santiago, Chile, and has been part of the TennisUpToDate team since early 2023. He covers the ATP and WTA Tours as well as all four Grand Slams, producing breaking news, match reports, analysis, and regular liveblogs from major tournaments.
His reporting combines statistical analysis with clear explanation, helping readers understand tactical developments, player form, and broader storylines across the tour. Working fluently in both Spanish and English, Cristhián collaborates with an international editorial team and contributes to comprehensive global coverage. As part of his work, he has conducted interviews and media interactions with leading figures in the sport, including Caroline Wozniacki and John McEnroe.
In his journalism, Cristhián places strong emphasis on careful sourcing, editorial accuracy, and updating articles promptly when new, verified information becomes available. His coverage is grounded in research, context, and direct engagement with professional tennis.
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