On the eve of the Laver Cup 2024 that takes place from 20 to Sunday 22 September in Berlin, Roger Federer, one of the founders of the event, talked about this edition, revealing how Team Europe is very strong this year and sharing news about the future of the Laver Cup.
“I think Team Europe is very strong this year. I think we are – I always speak like us – because I am European, strong favorites in the singles matches, Team World has very hot players at the moment but I think most of the singles matches will go to Team Europe. In doubles instead I feel most of the matches will go to Team World,” he told
Roger Federer© @norinchi_df X account
Federer also talked about the future of the Laver Cup, saying: “There was a lot of uncertainty from the beginning, seven years ago. Would everything go according to plan? Would people show up? Being a player and also an organizer and trying to come up with a concept has been quite a journey. I hope the players leave the Laver Cup with memories, emotions and new motivation. Over the years, seeing Rod Laver in the stands enjoying the event and the people always there has been wonderful.
I see the players always so happy to come together and have a completely different week than they have all year. I thank Bjorn Borg and John McEnroe who will lead their respective teams for the last year. I want them to be really happy this week and not sad in any way. I am sure it will be a fantastic week. I will always be grateful for the trust and participation of Borg and McEnroe, said Federer, when we needed it most to start something special,” said the Swiss Maestro.
And Federer also talks about the future of the event that will be held in San Francisco in the United States in 2025 and again in a European city to be defined in 2026.
“In 2027 I think the tournament could cross the equator. I think we have to go to Asia and South America, we have to keep moving, not only in North America,” he explained.
Roger Federer© @norinchi_df X account
The Laver Cup has become one of the most anticipated and beloved tournaments on the tennis Tour over the years. Despite being basically just an unofficial event, it has managed to attract the interest of fans because every year it is able to bring together the best tennis players in the world, who have the opportunity, at least for one week a year, to share the locker room and the playing fields with less tension and competitiveness.
One of the pillars of this tournament is undoubtedly Bjorn Borg, who has been part of this project since day zero, putting his experience and charisma at the service of Team Europe. This will be for him, as well as for John McEnroe, the last mandate of seven, before retiring and being replaced by Yannick Noah and Andre Agassi.
The Swede talked to Tennis Magazine about his journey in this event, recounting some moments that have particularly made him happy.
“They have been the best seven years for me, the Laver Cup has always been the most important week of the year for me. I had the opportunity to spend time with the best players in the world, enjoying a great competition where everyone wanted to win. It was a fantastic time, so I am very proud and happy to have been the captain of this team. Both John and I did a great job, or so I think, and I speak for him too. I can’t imagine a better successor than my good friend Noah for this job, he is a great champion and a better person,” he said.
Borg then focused on one of the strongest personalities with whom he had the pleasure of collaborating, Rafael Nadal.
“He has a wonderful personality, he is one of my favorite players, I have been watching him for many years in many matches, it was a pleasure to have him for several years in TeamEurope in this Laver Cup. I remember that at the time many said that no one would beat my record at Roland Garros, but for me it was always clear that records must be broken, that’s sport. We will never see a player this good on clay again,” he added.
Finally, Borg talked about perhaps the most iconic moment of recent years, the emotional embrace between Nadal and Roger Federer on the day of the Swiss’ farewell.
“We all knew that Roger would end his career, but I was very surprised that Rafa cried so much next to him. At that moment I thought: Will Rafa play again? Seeing him cry shows how much Roger meant to him, the two shared fantastic matches, they gave us incredible tennis. Rafa was sad to say goodbye to a friend and rival who is leaving the tour, and you could also see how Rafa was. I feel sorry for both of them because we lose a great rivalry, but it was still a beautiful moment to see, very emotional for me too,” said Borg.