Pat Rafter Named Team World Vice Captain for Laver Cup in San Francisco

Patrick Rafter, a former world No. 1 and two-time U.S. Open champion, enjoys a laid-back life in Australia but has recently returned to tennis in a vice-captain role for Team World at the Laver Cup, invited by Andre Agassi, his long-time rival and friend. Roger Federer, who has competed against legends like Agassi and Nadal, expressed a wish to have faced Bjorn Borg, admiring Borg's elegance and technical ability, and both Federer and Borg share a record of five consecutive Wimbledon titles. The Laver Cup, co-created by Federer and his agent Tony Godsick, has grown into a highly successful and lucrative event celebrating both past and current generations of tennis stars. Rafter reflects fondly on Federer's early career, recalling their matches in the late 1990s and early 2000s and praising Federer's revolutionary influence on tennis through his fluid movement and shot-making. As they reunite at the Laver Cup, Rafter acknowledges Federer's status as one of the sport's most influential figures, highlighting how Federer redefined tennis with his grace and dominance even into his late 30s. This collection of perspectives underscores the deep respect and admiration among tennis greats for one another's skills and contributions to the sport's legacy.