The Laver Cup returns for its eighth edition since its creation in 2017 and does so with new changes on the benches. Andre Agassi will be the captain of the Rest of the World team, while Europe will be coached by Yannick Noah. The tournament, which brings together tennis' greatest figures in a team format, will be played with renewed interest due to these leadership changes.

In the run-up to his debut as captain, Agassi, an eight-time Grand Slam champion and winner of all four majors, spoke to the ATP. Beyond the tournament, he surprised with his comments about Carlos Alcaraz, the current world number one and the main figure of the European team.

"There's no place in the world I go where I'm not the crowd favorite. And for obvious reasons. What he's brought to the game is a blend of the last generation we had," said the American.

Comparisons with the best in history

Agassi went further, placing the Murcian in direct contact with the three greats of modern tennis: Roger Federer, Rafael Nadal, and Novak Djokovic. "I know Djokovic is still playing, but Carlos is like a combination of the Big 3 in one, with the speed he can bring to the ball, the defense he has like Novak, and the touch he has like Federer. Seeing that in one person on a tennis court is extraordinary," he explained. The former world number one wasn't the only one to single out the young Spaniard. Two-time Grand Slam champion Patrick Rafter also praised his qualities: “He’s one of the most explosive and dynamic players the sport has ever seen. I’ve seen him play live several times, but being down there on the court next to him will be special. He can generate power from anywhere, and no one else has that ability. He’s probably one of the best moving players we’ve ever seen in tennis. That combination is quite impressive, and he’s got every shot under his belt.” Alcaraz, just 22 years old and owner of six Grand Slam titles, will make his debut at this year’s Laver Cup on Saturday, September 20.Her debut will be in doubles with Jakub Mensik, facing Americans Taylor Fritz and Alex Michelsen.