Brandon Nakashima replaces Shelton for Laver Cup debut

Brandon Nakashima will make his Laver Cup debut for Team World in London next week. The 25-year-old American, currently ranked world No. 16, replaces US Open runner-up Ben Shelton, organisers announced on Thursday.

Nakashima joins Andre Agassi’s side for the ninth edition of the event, staged at The O2 from 25-27 September. This marks the competition’s first return to London since 2022, when Roger Federer played the final match of his career there alongside Rafael Nadal.

Team World's late roster changes

No reason was given for Shelton’s withdrawal. The US Open finalist is scheduled to play Davis Cup for the United States in the Czech Republic from Friday, less than a week after his defeat to Alexander Zverev in New York. Zverev will be on the opposing bench in London, playing for Yannick Noah’s Team Europe.

This is the second change to captain Andre Agassi’s roster in a week. Tommy Paul withdrew through injury on 12 September and was replaced by Francisco Cerúndolo. Team World arrives as defending champions, having beaten Team Europe 15-9 in San Francisco last year.

Nakashima's breakthrough season

Nakashima is enjoying the best season of his career. He reached his first ATP Masters 1000 final in Montreal in August and followed it with a semi-final appearance the next week in Cincinnati. Those results propelled him into the world’s Top 20 for the first time.

“I’m really excited to be making my Laver Cup debut in London,” Nakashima said. It’s an event I’ve always dreamed of playing, and I can’t wait to be part of Team World, competing alongside the guys and playing for Andre and Pat (Rafter, vice-captain).

The Laver Cup line-ups

The full team rosters for the London event are now set. Team Europe, captained by Yannick Noah with Tim Henman as vice-captain, features a mix of established stars and one debutant.

Rafael Jódar, a 20-year-old Spaniard, is the only newcomer on Team Europe and will also be making his Laver Cup debut. Nakashima stated he is looking forward to getting to The O2 and doing everything he can to help Team World retain the title.