As Bjorn Borg prepares for Laver Cup Berlin 2024, the seven-time Team Europe Captain looks back on his tenure at the event, which he said has provided some of the most treasured moments of his life.
“This is the most important week for me every year,” said Borg, now 68. The Swedish tennis legend said he relishes the opportunity to spend time with the best players in the world as well as Team World Captain John McEnroe, who described Borg as “one of my greatest rivals and best friends in the world,” despite their opposing personalities.
“I’m still hurt after the last two years, I’m suffering a lot,” said Borg, the 11-time Grand Slam champion, who led Team Europe to triumph at the first four editions of Laver Cup but was dealt the blow of defeat at London 2022 and Vancouver 2023.
“I see he wants to win so badly,” Borg said of McEnroe, noting their mutual respect. “I want to win so badly, my team is going to be ready,” he added. As for his expectations of this week, the former world No.1 joked that he’s “very confident” before paring back his assuredness.
“We have a good chance,” said Borg. “I think it’s time for Europe to win in Berlin.”
“It’s going to be great tennis, close matches,” he said, acknowledging the level of talent on both teams. “We are hopefully [going] to bring it back, and it’s going to stay in Europe,” he said, referencing the Laver Cup trophy.
“You’re going to see good tennis, and [I] look forward to it,” Borg added. “We know what to do.”
The Swede said the experience of Laver Cup – which has taken him to Chicago, Prague, Geneva, Boston, London, Vancouver, and now Berlin – has been unbelievable, recalling Roger Federer’s retirement in 2022 as a particularly memorable milestone.
“We all were emotional, everybody’s crying,” said Borg. “To be part of that … was a big moment.”
“To be part of this team, to know these guys, it’s a pleasure for me,” said Borg, who has enjoyed sharing stories and memories with Europe’s top players at team dinners over the years.
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