On the eve of the Laver Cup 2024 that takes place from 20 to Sunday 22 September in Berlin, Roger Federer, one of many founders of the occasion, talked about this version, revealing how Workforce Europe could be very robust this 12 months and sharing information about the way forward for the Laver Cup.
“I believe Workforce Europe could be very robust this 12 months. I believe we’re – I at all times communicate like us – as a result of I’m European, robust favorites within the singles matches, Workforce World has very popular gamers in the mean time however I believe many of the singles matches will go to Workforce Europe. In doubles as a substitute I really feel many of the matches will go to Workforce World,” he instructed
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Federer additionally talked about the way forward for the Laver Cup, saying: “There was a number of uncertainty from the start, seven years in the past. Would all the pieces go in line with plan? Would individuals present up? Being a participant and likewise an organizer and attempting to provide you with an idea has been fairly a journey. I hope the gamers go away the Laver Cup with reminiscences, feelings and new motivation. Over time, seeing Rod Laver within the stands having fun with the occasion and the individuals at all times there was great.
I see the gamers at all times so comfortable to return collectively and have a totally totally different week than they’ve all 12 months. I thank Bjorn Borg and John McEnroe who will lead their respective groups for the final 12 months. I need them to be actually comfortable this week and never unhappy in any manner. I’m certain it is going to be a unbelievable week. I’ll at all times be thankful for the belief and participation of Borg and McEnroe, stated Federer, after we wanted it most to start out one thing particular,” stated the Swiss Maestro.
And Federer additionally talks about the way forward for the occasion that will likely be held in San Francisco in the USA in 2025 and once more in a European metropolis to be outlined in 2026.
“In 2027 I believe the match might cross the equator. I believe now we have to go to Asia and South America, now we have to maintain shifting, not solely in North America,” he defined.
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The Laver Cup has develop into one of the crucial anticipated and beloved tournaments on the tennis Tour over time. Regardless of being mainly simply an unofficial occasion, it has managed to draw the curiosity of followers as a result of yearly it is ready to deliver collectively the very best tennis gamers on the planet, who’ve the chance, not less than for one week a 12 months, to share the locker room and the taking part in fields with much less rigidity and competitiveness.
One of many pillars of this match is undoubtedly Bjorn Borg, who has been a part of this challenge since day zero, placing his expertise and charisma on the service of Workforce Europe. This will likely be for him, in addition to for John McEnroe, the final mandate of seven, earlier than retiring and being changed by Yannick Noah and Andre Agassi.
The Swede talked to Tennis Journal about his journey on this occasion, recounting some moments which have significantly made him comfortable.
“They’ve been the very best seven years for me, the Laver Cup has at all times been a very powerful week of the 12 months for me. I had the chance to spend time with the very best gamers on the planet, having fun with an ideal competitors the place everybody wished to win. It was a unbelievable time, so I’m very proud and comfortable to have been the captain of this group. Each John and I did an ideal job, or so I believe, and I communicate for him too. I can not think about a greater successor than my good pal Noah for this job, he is a good champion and a greater particular person,” he stated.
Borg then centered on one of many strongest personalities with whom he had the pleasure of collaborating, Rafael Nadal.
“He has a beautiful character, he’s one in every of my favourite gamers, I’ve been watching him for a few years in lots of matches, it was a pleasure to have him for a number of years in TeamEurope on this Laver Cup. I keep in mind that on the time many stated that nobody would beat my file at Roland Garros, however for me it was at all times clear that information have to be damaged, that is sport. We are going to by no means see a participant this good on clay once more,” he added.
Lastly, Borg talked about maybe probably the most iconic second of current years, the emotional embrace between Nadal and Roger Federer on the day of the Swiss’ farewell.
“All of us knew that Roger would finish his profession, however I used to be very stunned that Rafa cried a lot subsequent to him. At that second I believed: Will Rafa play once more? Seeing him cry reveals how a lot Roger meant to him, the 2 shared unbelievable matches, they gave us unbelievable tennis. Rafa was unhappy to say goodbye to a pal and rival who’s leaving the tour, and you can additionally see how Rafa was. I really feel sorry for each of them as a result of we lose an ideal rivalry, nevertheless it was nonetheless an exquisite second to see, very emotional for me too,” stated Borg.
