Agassi clips Bublik's wings ahead of the Laver Cup

The Laver Cup 2026 will start this Friday at the O2 Arena in London, and 'Team World' aims to defend its title won last year against a 'Team Europe' filled with stars. Led by Andre Agassi and Patrick Rafter, Taylor Fritz, Alex de Miñaur, Alexander Bublik, Brandon Nakashima, Learner Tien and Francisco Cerúndolo (with Ignacio Buse as a reserve) held a pre-tournament press conference where they joked about Bublik's role in the team and his agreement to avoid going overboard with his eccentricities.

Bublik will be one of the most important players on the team, as his ability to be a 'showman' perfectly fits a competition of this nature. "The whole spectacle thing… I signed some papers with Pat and Andre committing to never serve underhand here and to not smile after points; so the rules are very strict for me in this regard, but I've simply come to provide good tennis and add some humor. As Taylor said in our group chat, I'm the one who engages in verbal provocations, so I keep talking with Team Europe in case something doesn't add up. Unfortunately, I can't do exhibitions or shows, as I'm not allowed to due to a couple of conversations I had with the team captains," he joked.

Agassi opened up about Bublik, explaining what he sees in him. "When I observe players, the question I need to answer internally is whether they are maximizing their potential and making decisions that will allow them to make the most of everything they are capable of in the long term; when I look at Sascha, I see a player and think: ‘If I had his game… sorry, but I wouldn’t be maximizing my potential unless I was reaching the finals of many tournaments.’ In tennis, each one brings a different virtue to the game, and many arguments can be made in favor of his versatility and unpredictability. 

However, there is much to be said for controlled aggressiveness: those body shots can hurt the opponent without needing to take excessive risks in execution. So the key is to find the middle ground. That’s why, when I watch him, I try to remind him that while one can live on the edge and succeed thanks to one's great talent, it’s important not to forget that there are six other ways to win a tennis match. What matters is that every time they step onto the court, they give 100% of what they have at that moment. When I see someone trying to achieve perfection when it’s not necessary, I just wish they would remember how good they are; that’s why I hope he values that opinion of mine.” That said, the goat always goes back to the mountain, so we will also get to see the other side of Bublik. 

Agassi criticizes the ATP calendar

The last-minute withdrawal of Ben Shelton has also forced 'Team World' to make a move and they have decided to call up one of the best current tennis players: Brandon Nakashima. "I didn’t expect the last-minute call. It’s a shame that Ben Shelton had to withdraw and rest. Yes, I immediately accepted to be part of the team and this event. It has been incredible so far. I’m very happy to be here," stated the American.

Agassi also commented on Shelton's withdrawal, fully understanding his decision. "I always tend to side with the players. When Ben called me, I already knew what to expect; I assure you that no player calls you a day or a week ahead to give you good news. I told him: 'Ben, before you say anything, I want you to know that nothing matters to me more than my players; and that applies not only to the Laver Cup but to their careers.' I take the responsibility of allowing them, hopefully, to be themselves without interference at first, and then maybe to contribute something they can take with them. 

The game has become much more physical. The current courts and balls represent the most brutal side of this sport, and still, these guys go out there and endure that demand. Observing that physical wear and considering situations like Alcaraz, we must be very diligent in adjusting the calendar to the sporting objectives; I wish we had a preseason that offered some stability, both for the players and for the fans, so they look forward to the return of competition, just as happens in all sports. 

I am completely in favor of the idea that often less is more; I believe that, in many cases, tennis would benefit from that approach. As for the place the Laver Cup holds, I think it’s a fantastic event. I wouldn’t want to see concessions made that would detract from the quality of a tournament that carries the name of such a magnificent figure — someone without whom none of us would be here today in this sport —; therefore, this would not be the event I would choose to cut costs or efforts. However, I would like to see these extraordinary athletes always performing at their highest level. I believe that we all benefit from that,” he concluded.

This is an automatic translation. You can read the original news, Agassi corta las alas a Bublik antes de la Laver Cup