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Roger Federer hitting balls

‘We won, simple as that!’ – Roger Federer and Bjorn Borg blast John McEnroe complaint


Team Europe heavyweights Bjorn Borg and Roger Federer have angrily bitten back at John McEnroe after the US legend demanded a change in rules for next year’s Laver Cup.

Controversry reigned on a thrilling final day in Geneva, with Europe winning a throd successive Cup despite a thrilling fightback from Team World.

However, McEnroe, the captain of Team World, was furious that Europe were able to essentially dictate the match-ups due to Rafael Nadal’s withdrawal through injury.

McEnroe had hand-picked Nick Kyrgios to go up against the Spaniard, but didn’t want him playin Nadal’s replacement Dominic Thiem.

He was visibly angry about it and accusations of unfairness appeared to agitate Roger Federer too, who is one of the creators of the format.

“First of all this is the best thing that has happened to tennis in my opinion, the Laver Cup,” said Team Europe captain Bjorn Borg, who had a fierce rivalry with McEnroe in their playing days.

“Regarding the rules, unfortunately one of our players got injured and you can always complain but it’s the rules.

“We are sitting here today and we won. Simple as that.”

Federer then chipped in adding: “That’s right. Tell them Bjorn.”

Team Europe vice captain Thomas Enqvist also dismissed McEnroe’s complaints, especially surrounding Nadal’s withdrawal.

“I honestly don’t see that change needed. I think it is a gentleman’s agreement with the two teams,” he said.

“Obviously we had no intention not to play Rafael Nadal, why should we?

“He was just coming off the back of winning the US Open and played unbelievable the first day.

“Of course it was no question that he could play. He was devastated this morning because he wanted to play and give it all to the team but he couldn’t.

“We are lucky enough to have this incredible team and have some really strong players to put in.”

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Michael Graham, Tennishead.net Editor, has been a professional sports journalist for his whole career and is especially passionate about tennis. He's been the Editor of Tennishead.net for over 5 years and loves watching live tennis by visiting as many tournaments as possible. Michael specialises in writing in-depth features about the ATP & WTA tours.