The US Open 2024 is done having served fans the expected levels of action and entertainment. While the season has had enough tussles for ranking points and prize money, it is now time for players to join hands for a team event. If you are thinking about the Davis Cup, well you are wrong. It’s Laver Cup 2024 we are talking about, which is set to unleash the action with both Team World and Team Europe getting ready with their lineups. The last year’s defeat made Team Europe realize the worth of Stefanos Tsitsipas and therefore the Greek is all set to make a strong comeback.

Stefanos Tsitsipas had a difficult time in the US Open 2023. Apart from experiencing an early exit after losing to Dominic Stephan Stricker, the 26-year-old also incurred an injury that forced him to stay away from the courts. This, in some way or the other, became a reason for Team Europe’s defeat at the Laver Cup. However, Tsitsipas is now looking to compensate for the previous loss.

“I’m here to try to show them the way, to help them along the way. Winning the Laver Cup is about passion, consistency, and attitude. I’m proud of the whole journey that led me to the Laver Cup because I felt like I had come a long way to earn my place on this team,” the 26-year-old said in an interview after Laver Cup’s official website announced the updated line-up for the upcoming event.

It isn’t just Tsitsipas who looks forward to strengthening Team Europe. Casper Ruud, another player known for high competitive levels, is also ready to walk in. Team Europe’s captain, Bjorn Borg, is excited with the valuable additions to the squad, as he feels prepared to challenge Team World for the prestigious trophy. “Casper and Stefanos are experienced Laver Cup players who know what it takes to win points,” he said.

However, it isn’t all positive for Team Europe. Just days before the commencement of the event, a big name shattered the expectations of the fans with a concerning update.

Stefanos Tsitsipas’ entry balances the heartbreaking announcement from Rafael Nadal

In the overall history of the Laver Cup, the 2022 edition came out to be the most exciting one. Roger Federer, the legend who clinched 20 grand slams in his overall career, spent the last moments of his professional journey playing the Laver Cup.

And, during the middle of the ongoing season, Rafael Nadal, another name from the big three, announced that he would be a part of the event this year, alongside Alexander Zverev and others. However, the expectations of the fans couldn’t live long as Nadal later announced his withdrawal as well.

“I’m really disappointed to share that I won’t be able to compete at the Laver Cup in Berlin next week,” the Spaniard said. Further explaining the reason behind his withdrawal, he added, “This is a team competition and to really support Team Europe, I need to do what’s best for them and at this moment there are other players who can help the team deliver the win.”

Despite this announcement, fans are expecting a surprise off-the-court appearance from both Nadal and Roger Federer at the upcoming event. With September 20 marked as D-Day, it is now time to prepare for a massive clash between two teams consisting of top-ranked players from across the globe.