Noah’s version of the same answer spans eleven months, not the three days of the event. “Last year was my first year, I didn’t know any of those guys. But now we have a friend, we call each other once in a while. hey “that was a close game at the australian championship maybe next time”, “congratulations on the french open”, “how’s your injury” said the captain of the european team. “So we have this connection, which is the most important thing to me.”
He also clearly understands the boundaries of the role. “They’re champions so we’re just trying to help them, hopefully not get them out. Most of them come with their group, family, staff, coaches.”
Agassi describes the captaincy as more of a presence than an instruction. “You spend the year letting them know that it’s important, that you’re watching and that you care, because team camaraderie goes a long way,” he said. “And also humor, because humor can be a great icebreaker that allows someone to be their best self. And also the focus and intensity that they always know you’re locked in. They don’t feel alone there. Tennis can be a lonely sport.”
Last time I felt it was a good idea to let them win in America. Now we are in Europe, so it is our turn.
He insists that’s what generates the competitive heat the event has become known for, and he’s been careful not to overdo it. “Watching these guys not just put each other down, but actually try to impress each other, it gives a level of competition that I wouldn’t say they want it more than Slams, because I would read their mind to say that, but they certainly do.”
The warmth of both elders has its limits. Noah, whose European team lost 15-9 in San Francisco last year and is hosting the Laver Cup for the first time, made his position clear.
A hostile room awaits Agassi. “I never played out. Yannick knew. I don’t know the vibe of the crowd, so I brought in a lot of North Americans and South Americans to fill some of those spots myself, even a few things. But I understand that we will play at the top.”
The first matches will take place on Friday.
