Newly minted World No. 4 Ben Shelton has withdrawn from the Laver Cup and will be replaced by fellow American Brandon Nakashima.
Shelton reached the finals of the US Open in New York, which upped his workload to 17 matches during the North American hardcourt summer swing. He is also representing the United States in the Davis Cup this week in Czechia.
The 25-year-old Nakashima is enjoying a career-high ranking of 16 as he participates in his first Laver Cup. The California native who played one year at the University of Virginia recently reached the final of the Canada Open, where he lost to Shelton, and the semifinals at the Cincinnati Open before losing to Francis Tiafoe.
“I’m really excited to be making my Laver Cup debut in London,” Nakashima said in a statement. “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 (Agassi) and Pat (Rafter). Looking forward to getting to The O2 and doing everything I can to help the team.”
Nakashima will give Team World captain Agassi his third Laver Cup rookie on the roster. Alexander Bublik and Learner Tien are also making their debuts at The O2 Arena in London.
The Laver Cup will be contested from Sept. 25-27.
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