Americans Alex Michelsen and Reilly Opelka are replacing Ben Shelton and Tommy Paul on Team World at the upcoming Laver Cup.
Shelton, a two-time participant and the second-highest ranked American at No. 6 in the world, suffered a shoulder injury during his third round match at the US Open against Adrian Mannirino and had to retire after the fourth set. It was the first retirement of Shelton’s career.
Paul also exited in the third round at the US Open, falling to Alexander Bublik in a grueling five-set match. Paul, ranked No. 14, needed a medical timeout during the fourth set tiebreaker for a lingering back issue, and he lost the final set 6-1. Paul has been hampered by various injuries all summer, including an abdominal strain during the French Open and a ruptured tendon in his right foot at Wimbledon that sidelined him for several weeks.
MORE: Complete guide to Laver Cup 2025
Michelsen entered the US Open as the No. 28 seed and was ranked No. 32 in the world. He lost in the first round to Francisco Comesana in four sets. Michelesen, 21, has significant doubles experience, which will likely be leaned on by Team World captain Andre Agassi. It will be his first Laver Cup.
Opelka, the 6-foot-11 American with a big serve, was ranked No. 67 entering the US Open and lost in the first round to No. 2 seed Carlos Alcaraz 6-4, 7-5, 6-4. He also lost in the first round of the mixed doubles competition where he was paired with Venus Williams. Opelka appeared in the 2021 Laver Cup and went 0-2.
Final 2025 Laver Cup rosters
Team World
| Name | Appearance |
| Taylor Fritz (U.S.) | 5th |
| Frances Tiafoe (U.S.) | 6th |
| Francisco Cerundolo (Argentina) | 3rd |
| Alex Michelsen (U.S.) | 1st |
| Joao Fonseca (Brazil) | 1st |
| Reilly Opelka (U.S.) | 2nd |
Team Europe
| Name | Appearance |
| Carlos Alcaraz (Spain) | 2nd |
| Alexander Zverev (Germany) | 6th |
| Holger Rune (Denmark) | 1st |
| Casper Ruud (Norway) | 5th |
| Jakub Mensik (Czech Republic) | 1st |
| Flavio Cobolli (Italy) | 1st |
Team World will feature Americans Taylor Fritz (World No. 4) and Francis Tiafoe (World No. 17) along with Brazilian youngster Joao Fonseca (World No. 44) and Argentina’s Francisco Cerundolo (World No. 19).
Team Europe has Alcaraz (World No. 2), Alexander Zverev (World No. 3), Holger Rune (World No. 11), Casper Ruud (World No. 12), Jakub Menski (World No. 16) and Flavio Cobolli (World No. 26) for captain Yannik Noah.
The Laver Cup will be held at the Chase Center in San Francisco from Sept. 19-21.
Team Europe leads the Laver Cup 5-2, but Team World can make it three wins in four years with a victory in San Francisco this year.
MORE: Laver Cup history and all-time results
