Andre Agassi is savoring his extra-shot cappuccino. This on top of a Red Bull and a Diet Coke. Breakfast of champions.
Now in his second year as Team World captain, he’s taking in the scene amidst a courtside media scrum at The O2 in London, Laver Cup 2026 only days away. With seven-time Grand Slam champion Carlos Alcaraz blistering backhands behind him, Agassi is fully aware of his status as underdog, at least on paper, and he’s fine with it. He’s been here before.
Agassi was an underdog when he triumphed just across town on the lawns of the All England Club in 1992, rolling past the serve-and-volley likes of Boris Becker, John McEnroe and, eventually, Goran Ivanisevic in five sets, falling to his knees in rapturous disbelief, at 21 his maiden Grand Slam title in hand.
The international Tennis Hall of Famer was an underdog, too, when he made his Laver Cup debut last year in San Francisco. His supposedly overmatched Team World contingent trailed, 3-1, after Day 1; swept the proceedings on Day 2 to go ahead, 9-3; then saw it all come down to a thrilling Taylor Fritz vs. Alexander Zverev clash on Day 3, ultimately prevailing, 15-9, for its third title in four years.
“This format is o...