Bjorn Borg and John McEnroe signed off as captains of Team Europe and Team World after the Laver Cup 2024. Borg gave his rival captain a heartfelt tribute after Team Europe edged past Team World in Berlin.
Team Europe trailed Team World for most of the 2024 Laver Cup. The teams were tied at 2-2 after day 1, and World held an 8-4 advantage after day 2. Europe got to the task of recovering the deficit early on day 3, with Carlos Alcaraz and Casper beating Frances Tiafoe and Ben Shelton in the doubles tie and gaining three points. Shelton took World one step closer to victory after winning his singles match.
However, it was destined to be Team Europe’s day as Alexander Zverev and Alcaraz picked up crucial wins in the last two matches. With these wins, Team Europe edged past Team World 13-11 on the points table and bagged its fifth Laver Cup. The victory for Europe was a fitting tribute to outgoing captain Bjorn Borg.
Borg and McEnroe have served as captains of Team Europe and Team World, respectively, since the inception of the Laver Cup in 2017. Prior to the 2024 tournament, they announced their intention to step down from their roles. During the trophy presentation ceremony, Borg paid a heartfelt tribute to McEnroe and reminisced about their rivalry over the last eight years.
The 2024 Laver Cup marked an emotional farewell for two of tennis’ most iconic figures, Bjorn Borg and John McEnroe, as they stepped down as captains of Team Europe and Team World, respectively. Both legends have been pivotal figures since the inception of the Laver Cup in 2017, and the Berlin tournament provided a perfect backdrop for their departure, with Team Europe narrowly edging out Team World in a thrilling 13-11 victory. The match had all the hallmarks of a classic, with Europe fighting back from an early deficit to clinch their fifth title.
From the start, the 2024 Laver Cup was a highly competitive and tightly fought event. The teams were tied 2-2 after the first day of play, setting the stage for a dramatic weekend of tennis. Day two, however, saw Team World take the lead with an 8-4 advantage, thanks to strong performances from their roster of talented players. But as with any great sporting contest, it’s often the final day that defines champions.
On the morning of day three, Team Europe was staring down a significant deficit, needing to claw their way back into contention. The pairing of Carlos Alcaraz and Casper Ruud played a crucial role in that comeback, securing an important doubles victory over Frances Tiafoe and Ben Shelton. Their win added three valuable points to Team Europe’s tally, cutting into Team World’s lead and reigniting their hopes.
But Team World wasn’t ready to concede. Ben Shelton stepped up for a singles match that could have sealed the deal for his team. In a tense, hard-fought contest, Shelton emerged victorious, moving Team World one step closer to the trophy.
Despite this setback, Team Europe refused to back down. Alexander Zverev and Alcaraz proved to be their saviors, as both players delivered exceptional performances in the last two singles matches of the day. Zverev and Alcaraz’s wins were enough to push Team Europe past their rivals on the points table, securing a narrow 13-11 victory and the coveted Laver Cup trophy.
While the players stole the show on the court, the most emotional moment came during the post-match trophy presentation, when Bjorn Borg and John McEnroe both officially stepped down from their roles as captains of Team Europe and Team World. Their rivalry, dating back to their playing days in the 1970s and 1980s, had taken on new life in their leadership of the two teams over the past eight years.
As the tournament came to a close, Borg took a moment to address the crowd, his team, and most poignantly, McEnroe. In a heartfelt tribute, Borg reminisced about the many battles they’d shared, both as players and captains, over the years. Their rivalry is the stuff of tennis legend, defined by the 1980 Wimbledon final and countless other showdowns.
Yet, in the years since the Laver Cup began, that competitive edge was softened by mutual respect. Borg spoke of McEnroe as not only a fierce competitor but also as a friend. The two have shared a deep bond, forged over their many years in the sport, and this bond was evident as Borg honored his longtime rival with words of appreciation.
In his tribute, Borg highlighted how special it had been to serve as Team Europe’s captain and to go head-to-head with McEnroe once again, this time from the sidelines. He expressed gratitude for the opportunity to guide so many talented players, and he spoke of how proud he was of their resilience and determination in the 2024 edition.
McEnroe, for his part, also took the opportunity to reflect on the eight years of competition. His passion for the sport and his players was evident throughout his captaincy, as was his commitment to helping Team World secure their victories. Although Team World came up short this year, McEnroe remained proud of his team’s effort and their consistent competitiveness in each edition of the Laver Cup.
The Legacy of Borg and McEnroe
The departure of Borg and McEnroe marks the end of an era for the Laver Cup. Since 2017, the two have brought an element of prestige and nostalgia to the tournament, while also mentoring the next generation of tennis stars. Their presence added a level of excitement and gravitas that few others could bring to the competition.
Borg’s legacy as Team Europe’s captain is one of success. Under his leadership, Europe has claimed five Laver Cup titles, dominating the early years of the competition. His calm demeanor and strategic brilliance were on full display throughout his tenure, as he guided his team to victory after victory. His ability to inspire his players, combined with his deep understanding of the game, made him a beloved and respected figure in the captain’s role.
McEnroe, meanwhile, brought his fiery passion and intensity to Team World. Though his team only managed one Laver Cup victory during his tenure, his influence on his players was undeniable. McEnroe’s fierce competitiveness and drive to win mirrored the qualities he exhibited as a player, and his leadership helped Team World close the gap between the two sides over the years. His role as captain allowed him to pass on his knowledge and experience to younger players, many of whom looked up to him as both a mentor and a tennis icon.
With Borg and McEnroe stepping down, the future of the Laver Cup is at a crossroads. The tournament will need new leaders to step into the captaincy roles for both teams, and whoever takes on those responsibilities will have big shoes to fill. Borg and McEnroe not only brought star power to the event, but they also embodied the spirit of competition and sportsmanship that the Laver Cup seeks to promote.
As the 2024 tournament in Berlin comes to a close, fans and players alike are left to reflect on the incredible contributions of Borg and McEnroe to the Laver Cup and to tennis as a whole. Their rivalry, friendship, and passion for the game have helped shape the tournament into the prestigious event it is today. Though they may no longer serve as captains, their impact on the Laver Cup will be felt for years to come.
In the end, Team Europe’s hard-fought victory in 2024 was a fitting send-off for Borg, while McEnroe can walk away with his head held high, knowing that he gave everything to his team. As the curtain closes on their chapter in Laver Cup history, the tournament looks forward to a new generation of leaders who will carry on their legacy and continue to push the boundaries of what makes tennis great.