Reilly Opelka Reveals Andre Agassi’s ‘Instagram’ Factor Behind Joining Taylor Fritz & Others at Laver Cup

After four long years away, 28-year-old Reilly Opelka storms back into Team World’s fiery red, fully healthy and hungry under the watch of incoming captain Andre Agassi. The towering “serve-bot” has battled through hip and wrist surgeries, finally playing his first full season since 2021. Stepping in for injured countrymen Ben Shelton and Tommy Paul, Opelka happily joins Alex Michelsen as the squad gears up for battle. And now, with the Laver Cup just days away, Opelka reveals the Andre Agassi spark that pulled him into this clash alongside Taylor Fritz and company, chasing his first team victory with fire in his chest.

Opelka seeks redemption on Laver Cup’s biggest stage, four years after suiting up for the first time in Boston. The 6’11” Michigan powerhouse has engineered a stunning comeback after nearly two years lost to wrist and hip injuries. Returning to the tour in July 2024, Opelka started 2025 ranked No. 293, clawing his way back with sheer grit and 23 tour-level wins to re-enter the Top 70. The towering server is back, battle-ready, and chasing his first taste of Laver Cup glory.

His reason for joining Team World this year? Simple: Andre Agassi. Opelka was drawn in by the chance to play under the sport’s eight-time major-winning icon. “It’s pretty cool playing for Andre … pretty special,” Opelka said with a grin. He calls Agassi a living legend, a name that transcends tennis. “Agassi’s one of the few household names in tennis and [has] a lot of aura. He pops up on my ‘Explore’ page on Instagram more than any tennis player,” Opelka admitted, still fascinated by Agassi’s flair. “I’m trying to imagine if I was a tennis fan back then and seeing this guy pop up on my TV screen for the first time would be the coolest thing ever.”

It isn’t just Agassi who completes the picture. Team World’s new Vice Captain Pat Rafter also adds fuel to Opelka’s excitement. The American met the two-time US Open champion for the first time in Brisbane earlier this year and instantly felt the energy. “They went head-to-head with each other for quite a while,” Opelka said of the Rafter-Agassi rivalry. The pair clashed 15 times between 1993 and 2001, with Agassi holding the edge 10-5. “I think it’s pretty amazing that they’re on the same side of the court now,” Opelka added, marveling at the historic pairing.

Opelka’s bond with Team World runs deep. He has grown up competing alongside Taylor Fritz and Frances Tiafoe since their junior days, which makes this reunion feel like destiny. This time, Opelka believes Fritz will thrive under the spotlight on Laver Cup’s signature black court in San Francisco. 

He points to Fritz’s strong 8-5 head-to-head against Alexander Zverev as a crucial weapon. “Fritz having a great head-to-head on him helps Team World a lot,” Opelka said. “I think that’s a great match up since Zverev has been so dominant for Team Europe in the past.”

Team Europe, of course, will not go quietly. They reclaimed the Cup last year in Berlin, crushing Team World’s bid for a three-peat and giving captain Bjorn Borg a storybook farewell. Yannick Noah now inherits the mantle for Europe, while Agassi steps into McEnroe’s shoes to lead Team World back into battle.

With the battlefield set and the stakes sky-high, Opelka’s fire is unmistakable. His health is finally on his side, his serve is booming, and his motivation is locked in. Another Aussie has also made headlines, joining the charge, as Team World looks to strike hard and reclaim dominance over its European rivals. The countdown is nearly over, and Opelka is ready to let it rip.

Not just Reilly Opelka, Alex de Minaur steps up for Agassi as Tiafoe’s replacement

Yesterday, the official Laver Cup X account dropped a bombshell, confirming a major roster shake-up. “Team World roster update. World No. 8 and top-ranked Australian Alex de Minaur will join Team World in San Francisco, replacing American Frances Tiafoe. Captain Andre Agassi is counting on De Minaur to bring his trademark grit and energy to Chase Center,” the announcement declared, sending shockwaves through the Laver Cup build-up.

De Minaur has wasted no time embracing the moment, stepping into the spotlight with fierce intent. “I will bring a lot of energy to Team World this year. I love team competitions, I think it brings out the best in me,” he vowed, ready to light up San Francisco with his relentless speed and warrior spirit.

With Frances Tiafoe committed to Davis Cup duty in Delray Beach, a void opened in Team World’s arsenal. Enter De Minaur, a man who thrives under pressure and who carries the scars and wisdom of his debut at the 2022 Laver Cup. This time, he comes with more experience, more belief, and a bigger target on his back.

“It’s an honour to join Captain Agassi and Team World in San Francisco next week,” De Minaur said with pride. “My first Laver Cup back in 2022 in London was an incredible experience and I will be ready to give it everything I’ve got to help the team lift the Laver Cup at Chase Center.”

Now, with Team World looking sharper and hungrier than ever, the question looms: will the 5-2 grip of Team Europe finally break? The stage is set, the fire is lit, and this could be the moment everything changes.