Brandon Nakashima has been called up to Team World for the 2026 Laver Cup, replacing fellow American Ben Shelton, who has withdrawn from the competition.
The 25-year-old Nakashima, currently ranked 16th in the world, will make his Laver Cup debut at The O2 in London from September 25 to 27. He joins a Team World lineup led by captain Andre Agassi.
Nakashima earned his place after an impressive 2026 season, which saw him break into the world’s top 20 for the first time. He reached his first ATP Masters 1000 final in Montreal in August before advancing to the semi-finals in Cincinnati the following week.
The American said he was excited to represent Team World at an event he had always dreamed of competing in.
“I’m really excited to be making my Laver Cup debut in London,” Nakashima said. “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 and Pat.”
Nakashima will line up alongside Taylor Fritz, Alex de Minaur, Alexander Bublik, Learner Tien and Francisco Cerúndolo.
Shelton’s withdrawal comes shortly after he reached his first Grand Slam final at the US Open, where he lost to Alexander Zverev. The American is also scheduled to represent the United States in the Davis Cup in the Czech Republic.
Team Europe, captained by Yannick Noah, will feature Zverev, Carlos Alcaraz, Flavio Cobolli, Casper Ruud, Jakub Menšík and Rafael Jódar.
The 2026 edition marks the Laver Cup’s return to London for the first time since 2022, with Team World entering the event as defending champions after defeating Team Europe 15-9 in San Francisco last year.
Nakashima will now look to carry his strong season into his first appearance in the team competition, as Team World aims to retain the title on European soil.
