"John McEnroe is so much fun";"Bjorn Borg is a living legend" - Taylor Fritz & Stefanos Tsitsipas send their tributes to departing Laver Cup captains 

Taylor Fritz and Stefanos Tsitsipas have praised John McEnroe and Björn Borg as they captain Team World and Team Europe for the last time at the Laver Cup. Borg and McEnroe have been captains since the inaugural edition in Prague in 2017.

It was announced in May that Andre Agassi will succeed McEnroe as captain of Team World, and Yannick Noah will take over from Borg as captain of Team Europe at the 2025 edition, scheduled to be held in San Francisco.

As the 2024 Laver Cup is set to begin in Berlin on September 20 and run through September 22, interviews with Fritz and Tsitsipas were released on the Laver Cup's official website. Tsitsipas described Borg as a living legend and expressed gratitude for the Swedish icon's support and coaching over the years.

Laver Cup 2019 - Day 1 - Source: Getty

“Having Borg lead the team has been probably one of the coolest experiences of my life. He’s literally a living legend. And to have him on the bench, the guy does provide support, coaches from time to time. It was something very soothing and something very refreshing to have by our side. So, I’m grateful that he was able to lead us in his ways and to provide wisdom and knowledge within the sport.” said Tsitsipas

Speaking about Team World's captain, Taylor Fritz shared how fun McEnroe is and how playing under such a legend has been an amazing experience.

“He’s so much fun and he’s such a legend. It’s been such a such an honor and an amazing experience to get to play under him and play for him. He’s just such a such a great guy and such an icon … it’s been amazing to have this time with him over the years.” said Taylor fritz

---

“That’s always so fun for me” - Taylor Fritz on the excitement of team play in tennis

Taylor Fritz at the 2019 Laver Cup. Source: Getty

In the same interview, Fritz shared his excitement about playing with Team World, noting that all the players are his friends and highlighting the aspect of team spirit and camaraderie that ensues through team events. He contrasted this team experience with regular tennis, where celebrations are usually individual.

“Being in this team environment, playing for Team World, being on the team with all my friends, just having that team energy competing and trying to win something together — that’s something we normally don’t do in tennis.

Getting the chance to celebrate with the team is always my favorite “It’s something that you don’t get to do in tennis because it’s individual, you’re only celebrating with your team, you’re not celebrating with the other players so that’s something that’s always so fun for me.” Fritz said

Taylor Fritz first participated in the Laver Cup in 2019 in Geneva, when he was ranked No. 30 on the ATP Tour. However, Team World lost to Team Europe 13-11. The tournament was postponed in 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic, and Fritz did not compete in 2021 because of an injury.

At the 2022 edition, Fritz helped Team World win their first Laver Cup trophy on their fifth attempt, and the following year, he was also part of the team that successfully defended the title.