What Bjorn Borg said to John McEnroe in his final speech as Team Europe’s Laver Cup captain

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Bjorn Borg’s Team Europe managed to turn the tide to deny John McEnroe and Team World a third consecutive Laver Cup win.

As Alexander Zverev edged past Frances Tiafoe to keep Team Europe in the tie, a thrilling finale was set.

Taylor Fritz stepped onto the iconic black court for a winner-takes-all match against Carlos Alcaraz. 

Having defeated Ben Shelton the previous day, and squirmed past Team World in the doubles that morning, Alcaraz’s debut Laver Cup needed a final cherry on the top.

A mesmerizing two sets saw Alcaraz decisively break to go 6-5 up and eventually serve it out to the jubilation of his teammates.

Bjorn Borg, a mostly composed figure was huddled in among his team, thrilled to have regained the trophy before his imminent retirement as team captain.

Bjorn Borg sends heartfelt message to John McEnroe at the end of the 2024 Laver Cup

Borg and John McEnroe have headed the two sides since the Laver Cup’s inception in 2017. 

Departing together, the pair were given a final day of pure drama, with the scoreboard swinging both ways.

Once the histrionics on court had died down slightly, Borg reflected on his Laver Cup experience.“I’m gonna miss John a lot,” the 68-year-old admitted.

“Of course we’re gonna see each other… I remember when Roger called me and asked if I wanted to be captain for Team Europe. That was 8 years ago. I didn’t really know what to say. But I was happy to say yes.

“And he said John would be captain for Team World. John we’ve been having a good time. Even if you guys lost,” the Swede said with a wry smile.

Andre Agassi is set to lace up as Team World’s new captain, while Frenchman Yannick Noah will take charge of Team Europe.

John McEnroe and Bjorn Borg leave the Laver Cup in a better place

Alcaraz hailed Borg’s impact on him at the Laver Cup, with the newbie admitting the level of advice and guidance he’s received from the Swede has been vast. 

Similarly for Team World, Shelton sung McEnroe’s praises prior to the event, with Fritz and Tiafoe quick to also show appreciation for their captain. 

Having presided over seven different events, Borg has emerged the more decorated captain with five wins.

However, with this year’s event tipped to be a comfortable Europe victory, McEnroe played his role perfectly in ensuring it was a close run thing.