Tommy Paul, Gael Monfils among six players set to debut at Laver Cup in Vancouver

A year after Roger Federer was sent off by his greatest rivals in London, the Laver Cup returns to Vancouver with a crop of new faces set to make their debut in the team competition.

Captains Bjorn Borg and John McEnroe finalized their rosters on Wednesday, and among the latest picks include a showman that should fit right into the atmosphere—Gael Monfils. The Frenchman has posted seven of his eight tour-level wins this season during the North American summer hard-court swing as he continues making his way back up the rankings after returning from a seven-month injury layoff in March.

“I’ve never been part of the Laver Cup before and to be selected at this stage in my career is really such a privilege,” Monfils said in a release shared by organizers. “I want to thank Bjorn for giving me this opportunity. I plan to make the most of it for myself and the team!”

Hubert Hurkacz will also make his first appearance for Borg. The Pole, currently ranked No. 17, is 31-18 on the season and coming off a semifinal effort in Cincinnati.

“I’m very happy with our team. Hubert and Gael are two great additions,” said Borg, “In total, on paper, we should be the favorites. Still, it is never easy.”

As Borg knows all too well, being the favorites on paper isn’t everything. Last year, Team World secured its first victory in five attempts with a stunning performance on the final day where matches are worth three points apiece.

Felix Auger-Aliassime, who a doubles contest alongside Jack Sock and then beat Novak Djokovic, was previously announced to be returning by McEnroe. As was top-ranked American Taylor Fritz and Frances Tiafoe, who saved four match points against Stefanos Tsitsipas to clinch the crown.

Tommy Paul was present at The O2 Arena as an alternate and resident cheerleader. This time, he’ll suit up for the first time after cracking the Top 15 and advancing to his first major semifinal at January’s Australian Open.

“I’m pumped that this year in Vancouver, I will be able to step on court at Rogers Arena and directly contribute to the outcome,” said Paul.

Countryman Ben Shelton, whose breakout Melbourne run was ended by Paul in the last eight, and Argentina’s Francisco Cerundolo, a Top 20 competitor, round out the newcomers completing the Team World roster.

Newly-minted world No. 4 Holger Rune was earlier announced as a first-time selection alongside Team Europe veterans Stefanos Tsitsipas, Casper Ruud and Andrey Rublev.