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.
The even-keeled Swede plans to share his learnings to Frenchman Yannick Noah.
“The important thing is he [has] to understand the players, to know the players, to feel the players,” said Borg. “I’m very happy that he’s here right now so I can explain many things to him,” he added, joking that one key piece of advice is simply “Don’t lose – you have to win.”
The former world No.1 said he may travel to San Francisco to witness Noah’s first year as captain.
“My heart is part of Laver Cup,” said Borg. “Laver Cup knows that, and I’m not going to miss it, because I’m going to be there, I’m going to be around.”
“I’m just happy I was captain for seven years,” added Borg, who said his blue Team Europe jackets have been a hot favorite among his friends and family in Stockholm.
“Roger called me and said ‘Bjorn, you want to be part of Laver Cup? Of course, you cannot say no’,” he reminisced.
Players, led by Nordic neighbor Casper Ruud, said they are grateful for Borg’s years of leadership and support on the bench.
“It’s sad that it’s his last year, it’s been an honor to play with him and for him,” said Ruud, who admitted that he was brought to tears by the film Borg vs McEnroe and has watched countless matches featuring Borg and other legends of the sport.
“I’ve always given it my all, and this year we will do it again, and hopefully get a win for him,” said the world No. 9, who is contesting his fourth Laver Cup and opens against Team World’s Francisco Cerundolo on Friday.
“I’ve learned ‘stay patient’, that’s his motto, the way he played tennis was also pretty patiently — he waited out his opponents and played side to side and kind of wore them down,” said Ruud.
Stefanos Tsitsipas said that Borg had become a friend. “We’ve gotten along for so many years, I’m simply honored to call him my Laver Cup captain,” said the Greek star.
