By Alberto Amalfi | Tuesday, September 20, 2022
Hall of Famers Bjorn Borg and John McEnroe paid tribute to retiring Roger Federer ahead of this weekend's Laver Cup clash in London.
Photo credit: Christopher Levy
Bjorn Borg is a champion whose words are as precise as his famed footwork.
Hall of Famer Borg summed up retiring Roger Federer's brilliant legacy simply and powerfully.
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"Roger, you are the best," Borg said addressing Federer directly in a Eurosport interview. "To be part of your history of tennis and Laver Cup and to be a friend with you—I appreciate that very much."
Borg captains an undefeated European squad that boasts a Dream Team of four former world No. 1 players at the iconic O2 Arena in London this week.
The 41-year-old Federer, who announced he will close the curtain on his glorious career after this weekend's Laver Cup, joins fellow Big 4 champions Rafael Nadal, Novak Djokovic and Andy Murray on Team Europe.
An emotional Team World captain John McEnroe praised Federer as "the most beautiful player I've ever seen."
"Roger, let me just tell you this: obviously, you are a class act," McEnroe said to Federer in a Eurosport interview. "I've loved watching you play. Commentating your matches has been a privilege.
"You are the most beautiful player that I've ever seen on a tennis court. I idolize Rod Laver so that tells you something. Thank you for everything you've done. That's all I can say.
"Your absolute love of the game rubs off on all of us. And I got goose bumps just feeling that because it's been a pleasure to watch you these last 20 years."