"I'm so excited to join the team again and represent Team World in Chicago"
Tuesday 18 September 2018 17:10, UK
Frances Tiafoe has been called up for Team World at the Laver Cup in Chicago this weekend, following the withdrawal of Juan Martin del Potro.
American Tiafoe, who was a member of Team World at the inaugural Laver Cup in Prague last year, was picked to replace the giant Argentine by captain John McEnroe.
Del Potro is unable to take up his spot as he is still recovering from his run to the final of the US Open in which he lost to Novak Djokovic.
But 20-year-old Tiafoe is a strong replacement following a breakout year on the tour.
In February he won his maiden ATP Tour title at Delray Beach, upsetting Del Potro, Hyeon Chung and Denis Shapovalov en route to the crown.
"Laver Cup was one of the highlights of 2017 for me, I had an awesome time and I'm so excited to join the team again and represent Team World in Chicago," said Tiafoe, who is ranked No 40 in the world.
"Prague was fantastic last year and I'm really looking forward to playing at 'home' here in the US. Chicagoans love their sports and I'm sure we'll get some loud support for Team World. I can't wait."
Team World captain John McEnroe was impressed with Tiafoe's efforts against Team Europe at the 2017 Laver Cup in Prague and has welcomed him back to the team with open arms.
"Frances was a great team player at Laver Cup last year and it's fantastic to have him on board again for Chicago," said McEnroe.
"He's had a terrific year, he's won a title, hit a career-high ranking and he's still just 20 years old. He's definitely one of the young guns coming through and I'm expecting to see big things from him.
"Frances is a real X-factor player and loves the big occasion. He'll be right at home with a big, and loud American crowd cheering him on."
McEnroe added: "I'm looking forward to helping bring out the best in him and the rest of Team World, and am convinced we can defeat Team Europe in Chicago this weekend."
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Tennis is back on Sky Sports screens with the Laver Cup in September while we will also have coverage of the ATP Finals in November with every match live on Sky Sports.
