“It’s something incredible” – Laver Cup new boy Fils can’t wait to get started

Arthur Fils got a late call-up to join Team Europe for this year’s Laver Cup, and now he’s in Vancouver alongside some of the superstars he’s been watching on television.

“It’s something incredible,” he said as the squads got together for their photo-shoot on the Vancouver waterfront. “I’ve been watching this on TV for three or four years, and now I’m part of it. It’s a big experience to be close to all these great players.”

Team World captain John McEnroe mentioned host country Canada’s “beautiful players” in his own media interviews; one of those, Milos Raonic, is simply happy to be back on court after his ongoing struggles with fitness.

“To have Canadian tennis be at the place where it’s considered for these kinds of events is a massive tribute to how far Canadian tennis has come, the exposure of tennis in Canada, and the passion for it. All these things are incredible,” he said.

“I love that I have a chance to be a part of it, especially after what I’ve gone through in the last two years. I get to do it alongside teammates, and John and Patrick, as well. I’m looking forward to it.”

So is the US’s Taylor Fritz – part of Team World’s victorious squad last year, and joining compatriots Tommy Paul, Ben Shelton, Frances Tiafoe and Christopher Eubanks this year.

“It’s a great team, and we’re all really close friends, so it’s exciting to be playing for the same side. Hopefully, we bring the energy, get the win, and we can celebrate together again.”

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