Isner is injured and is likely out of commission for the next few weeks and may not be fit enough to play in the upcoming competition that will be held at London’s O2 Arena. Tiafoe was named as his replacement.
The recent US Open semifinalist who took down the likes of Rafael Nadal in the run-up to the major’s semis will be making his first appearance at the Laver Cup since 2018. He played against Marin Cilic of Team Europe.
US Open semifinalist Frances Tiafoe returns for a third Laver Cup with Team World when play gets underway at The O2 in London on Friday, September 23.
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“It’s an incredible event and I hope I can win points for Team World in London this time. I know what to expect and I think we have a great chance this year of taking the title from Team Europe,” Tiafoe said in a statement.
Since his run at Flushing Queens, Tiafoe has risen to No.19 in the world rankings. Fellow Team World members include Jack Sock, Taylor Fritz, Felix Auger-Aliassime, and Diego Schwartzman. Alex de Minaur is on the team too.
Team Europe will be comprised of big names including tennis’ big three that includes Nadal, Noval Djokovic, and Roger Federer.
It will be a comeback moment for Federer who has been out of commission for some time following surgery. Andy Murray will also be on Team Europe.
“It’s the only competition where you can play in a team environment with guys that you’re normally competing against and to be joining Rafa, Roger, and Andy—three of my biggest all-time rival.”
“It’s going to be a truly unique moment in the history of our sport,” Djokovic said in a statement.
The Cup will run from September 23 to 25.