Tennis

The Laver Cup, a unique team competition in tennis, has been graced by the presence of legendary rivals-turned-friends Bjorn Borg and John McEnroe since its inception in 2017. Their presence has added an unparalleled allure to the tournament, providing players with an opportunity to interact with their idols.For debutants like Flavio Cobolli and Alejandro Tabilo, the Laver Cup has been a surreal experience. They have cherished the chance to learn from Borg and McEnroe, soaking up their wisdom and guidance. Even seasoned players like Casper Ruud and Taylor Fritz have been awestruck by the legends' presence, recalling their initial nervousness and the lasting impact of their support.Alexander Zverev, the Laver Cup's most successful player, has particularly valued Borg's presence on the bench. He has relished the opportunity to hear Borg's stories and gain insights into the history of tennis. Stefanos Tsitsipas, while acknowledging the bittersweet nature of Borg and McEnroe's departure, expressed his gratitude for their mentorship.Despite the departure of Borg and McEnroe, the future of the Laver Cup remains bright. Yannick Noah and Andre Agassi will take over as captains of Team Europe and Team World, respectively, bringing their own unique experiences and perspectives to the tournament.Laver Cup CEO Tony Godsick believes the tournament plays a crucial role in preserving the history of tennis. It provides a platform for current players to interact with legends like Borg, McEnroe, and Rod Laver, creating valuable content and fostering a connection between generations.

The Laver Cup, a prestigious tennis tournament featuring the world's top players, is set to make its German debut this week. Twelve of the ATP's finest will represent Team Europe and Team World, led by tennis legends Bjorn Borg and John McEnroe, respectively.Team World, the reigning champions, will be looking to extend their winning streak to three. Taylor Fritz, a key member of the team, expressed his excitement for the event, citing the camaraderie and mentorship from McEnroe as highlights.Team Europe, eager to reclaim the Cup, will be bolstered by the return of Alexander Zverev. The German star is thrilled to play on home soil and believes the support of the local fans will give them an edge.Frances Tiafoe, another Team World member, is confident in their ability to secure a third consecutive victory. Carlos Alcaraz, a rising star on Team Europe, is honored to represent his continent and is ready to contribute in any way possible.Alejandro Tabilo, a newcomer to Team World, is grateful for the opportunity to play alongside his teammates and McEnroe. Daniil Medvedev, a Team Europe veteran, emphasized the unique team spirit of the Laver Cup, which sets it apart from other tennis competitions.With the tournament just days away, the anticipation is building. The Laver Cup promises to deliver thrilling matches, camaraderie, and a celebration of the sport of tennis.

Fifty years ago, the tennis world witnessed a pivotal moment at Roland Garros. Bjorn Borg and Chris Evert, two young prodigies, emerged victorious in their first Grand Slam tournaments, forever etching their names in the annals of the sport.Borg's triumph marked a paradigm shift in tennis. His two-handed backhand, a technique previously considered taboo, proved to be a formidable weapon. It allowed him to counter net-rushers effectively and drive the ball with unprecedented power and depth. Evert, known for her exceptional consistency and baseline accuracy, also relied on a two-handed backhand. Her ability to control rallies and outlast opponents made her a formidable force.The ascent of Borg and Evert coincided with the rise of the two-handed backhand as a dominant force in tennis. This technique revolutionized the game, rewarding defensive players and expanding the dimensions of the court.Beyond their technical prowess, Borg and Evert embodied the qualities of sportsmanship and professionalism. They set a high standard of conduct at a time when the sport was often marred by controversy. Their poise and determination inspired countless young players and helped elevate tennis to a new level of respectability.Today, the legacies of Borg and Evert continue to resonate. Their impact on the game is evident in the countless players who have adopted the two-handed backhand and the emphasis on fitness and mental toughness. Their contributions to tennis have left an enduring mark on the sport, inspiring generations of players and fans alike.

In 1974, the tennis world witnessed a quiet revolution at Roland Garros. Two teenage prodigies, Chris Evert and Bjorn Borg, emerged victorious, forever altering the trajectory of the sport.Evert, known as the "Ice Maiden," and Borg, dubbed "Ice Borg," were both products of the Open era, which had opened up tennis to professionals. They possessed a unique blend of consistency, defense, and unorthodox playing styles. Evert's two-handed backhand and Borg's flicky forehand and two-handed backhand defied the norms of the time.Their rise to prominence was not without its challenges. Evert had lost two Slam finals in 1973, while Borg had yet to reach a major semifinal. However, their determination and unwavering focus propelled them to the top.At Roland Garros, Evert and Borg faced off against Olga Morozova and Manuel Orantes, respectively. Evert's victory was a display of efficiency, while Borg's triumph was a testament to his resilience. After dropping the first two sets, Borg rallied back to win the next three with ease.Their victories marked a turning point in tennis. The baseline game they pioneered gradually replaced serve-and-volley as the dominant strategy. Their two-handed backhands also became the norm, with Roger Federer's retirement solidifying its supremacy.Beyond their playing styles, Evert and Borg were also pioneers in the realm of celebrity. Their mass appeal and fan following set the stage for the modern era of tennis stardom.Fifty years later, the legacy of Evert and Borg continues to shape the sport. Their quiet revolution transformed tennis from a game of aggression to one of consistency and defense. Their influence is evident in the playing styles of today's top players and the enduring popularity of the sport.

Andre Agassi, the legendary tennis icon, will take over as Team World Captain for the Laver Cup in 2025, succeeding John McEnroe. Agassi's appointment marks a significant shift in the leadership of the prestigious team competition.Agassi, an eight-time Grand Slam champion and former world No. 1, brings a wealth of experience and charisma to the role. His exceptional achievements on the court, coupled with his popularity among fans, make him an ideal choice to lead Team World."Andre is an icon of our sport," said Tony Godsick, Chairman of Laver Cup and CEO of TEAM8. "His outstanding achievements on the court, character, and popularity with fans around the world make him the perfect choice to take over from John next year."McEnroe, who has captained Team World since the Laver Cup's inception in 2017, will step down after the 2024 event. He has been instrumental in the team's success, guiding them to their first victory in 2022 and a dominant title defense in 2023."I am truly honored to accept the invitation to become the Laver Cup Team World Captain," said Agassi. "In just seven short years since the Laver Cup began, it's been so enjoyable for fans, including myself, to watch the greats of the game team up and compete against one another in this incredible team environment."Agassi will make his debut as Team World Captain at the 2025 Laver Cup, facing off against Bjorn Borg's Team Europe. McEnroe will serve as captain for one more year, leading Team World against Team Europe in Berlin in 2024."I want to congratulate Andre on becoming the next Team World Captain, I know he is the right man for the job," said McEnroe. "The Laver Cup is very special to me, a truly incredible competition that I love being a part of. I will be rooting for him and Team World and will support him however I can."Borg, who has captained Team Europe since the Laver Cup's inception, will also step down after the 2024 event. Under his leadership, Team Europe won the first four Laver Cup events.The Laver Cup has quickly become a staple of the tennis calendar, providing fans with an unforgettable spectacle of team competition. The event features some of the greatest players in the world, competing in a unique format that combines singles and doubles matches.

Team World, led by the legendary John McEnroe, is gearing up for a three-peat at the Laver Cup, which will be McEnroe's final year as captain. The team has announced three of its players: Alex de Minaur, Taylor Fritz, and Tommy Paul.De Minaur, the Australian No. 1, is in the form of his life, having recently cracked the Top 10 and won the Acapulco title. He is eager to contribute to Team World's success, saying, "We will have a fight on our hands, but I love the team environment and we will give it everything we've got."Fritz, the world No. 13, is making his fourth Laver Cup appearance and has been a key member of both previous victorious teams. Paul, ranked 16th, is also making his second appearance, having joined the team in Vancouver last year."The atmosphere, camaraderie, and excitement of the Laver Cup is unlike any other tournament," said Paul. "I look forward to taking part in Berlin and hopefully contributing to another team victory."Team Europe, led by Bjorn Borg, has also announced three of its players: Carlos Alcaraz, Daniil Medvedev, and Alexander Zverev. The remaining players for both teams will be announced based on their rankings on June 10.The Laver Cup will take place at the Uber Arena in Berlin from September 20-22. Multi-session ticket packages go on sale on April 17, with single session tickets available from May 17.