Borg: ‘It Was Very Special To Have This Team’

Team Europe captain Bjorn Borg revealed that he was proud of his squad’s efforts this week at the Laver Cup despite losing against Team World in London. John McEnroe’s side battled back on Sunday to defeat Team Europe 13-8 in Roger Federer’s final tour-level event at The O2.

“For me, it was very special to have this team, this great team,” Borg said during Sunday’s press conference. “Of course right now we are a little disappointed because we lost, but the tennis has been great, good matches, close matches. But to have the ‘Big Four’, and they are different from the younger generation, the players here, it’s been fantastic. Roger here, one of the greats, retiring from tennis, stepped away, and we are all a little bit sad about that.

“But we had a good time. Of course we wanted to win. I mean, that’s why we are here. It’s a great event. Players like it. We were here to try to defend our title but we didn’t. They had a good three days. This time they were better than us. But we will definitely be back.”

The curtain came down on Federer’s career on Friday night, when he teamed with Rafael Nadal to play his last tour-level match on a historic occasion. Despite the send-off, the Swiss star, who won 103 tour-level titles, was disappointed Team Europe was unable to capture its fifth Laver Cup title.

“Of course I am disappointed,” Federer said. “I was on the team and my hands hurt from clapping. I wish the result was different. I told Andy [Murray] in the locker room that I don’t like losing, it’s not fun.”

Team Europe showed great camaraderie throughout the weekend, from their bench celebrations to coaching each other and getting the fans into the matches. Federer was grateful to have ended his 24-year career this way alongside fellow ‘Big Four’ members Novak Djokovic, Rafael Nadal and Andy Murray.

“Being on court on Friday, having such a good moment,” Federer said. “Being surrounded by my biggest rivals. Novak, Andy and Rafa was truly unique. I can’t thank them enough for being there and staying there with me.”