Team Europe captain Bjorn Borg was proud of his team’s efforts this week in the Laver Cup despite losing to Team World in London. John McEnroe’s team battled back to win 13-8 in Roger Federer’s final tour-level event at The O2 on Sunday.
“For me it was very special to have this team, this great team,” Borg said during Sunday’s news conference. “Of course at the moment we are a bit disappointed because we lost, but the tennis has been excellent, good matches, close matches. Having the ‘Big Four’, and players from the younger generation, has been fantastic. We are also all a bit sad because Roger is retiring from tennis.”
“But we had a good time. Of course we wanted to win. I mean, that’s why we’re here. It is a great event. Players like it. We were here to try and 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 fell on Federer’s career on Friday night, as he joined Rafael Nadal to play his last tour-level match on a historic occasion. The Swiss star, who has won 103 tour-level titles, was also disappointed that Team Europa failed to capture their fifth Laver Cup title.
“Of course I am disappointed,” said Federer. “I was on the team and my hands hurt from clapping. I wish the result had been different. I told Andy [Murray] in the locker room I don’t like losing, it’s not fun.”
Team Europa showed a great camaraderie throughout the weekend, from the celebrations on the bench to the mutual training and the participation of the fans in the matches. Federer was grateful to have ended his 24-year career in this way alongside the other members of the ‘Big Four’ (Novak Djokovic, Rafael Nadal and Andy Murray).
“Just being on the court on Friday and having a good time, being surrounded by my biggest rivals… it was amazing. Novak, Andy and Rafa were truly unique. I can’t thank you enough for being there and sticking with me.”
