"Don't lose" - John McEnroe hilariously threatens Ben Shelton, Frances Tiafoe, Taylor Fritz & other Team World members at Laver Cup 2024
John McEnroe has but one simple advice for Ben Shelton, Frances Tiafoe, Taylor Fritz and other members of Team World at the 2024 Laver Cup -- to not make him lose in his final stint at the competition. Having served as the captain for the world contingent since the first edition of the event in 2017, McEnroe will be passing on the torch to former World No. 1 Andre Agassi starting next year.
The 2024 edition of the Laver Cup is set to commence in Berlin tomorrow, spread across three action-packed days. Team World are the two-time defending champions, but overall trail 2-4 against Team Europe in the competition.
Speaking in the pre-tournament press conference, McEnroe touched on the possibility of a 'three-peat,' acknowledging that it would be great for him to go out in style with a hat-trick of titles. With so much at stake, the American pounded the table in mock anger, threatening his colleagues to get the job done so he could exit the Laver Cup in style.
"That sounds like an incredible thing. Since this is my last year, and it's been a blast, it would be amazing to go out in style. So we're going to go out guns blazing. We've got a great group."
"There is a lot of energy in that building right now, and it's going to be even more over the weekend. We're pumped up to give it our best shot. If they lose -- don't lose for me on my last one, okay? That's all I'm saying," John McEnroe said, pounding his table in mock anger.
John McEnroe's brother Patrick, who serves as the vice-captain of the team, was less dramatic speaking about his final appearance at the tournament and extended his warm thanks to everyone in the team for their support all these years.
"I have been hearing that for many years, so yes. But it's been an honor for me, thank you to my brother for having me as his right-hand man for these amazing years with Laver Cup. Thanks to the guys on the team. It's just been an absolute privilege. We are super excited for the weekend," Patrick McEnroe said.
In addition to the trio of American top 20 players, Team World also includes Thanasi Kokkinakis, Francisco Cerundolo and Alejandro Tabilo.
"Roger Federer being involved is really key" - John McEnroe on his attachment to the Laver Cup
John McEnroe also spoke about his attachment to the Laver Cup, stating his belief that it would be great for tennis if the event remained successful.
In addition to honoring a legend of the game like Rod Laver, McEnroe believed that an icon like Roger Federer being involved was also one of the reasons why the competition garnered a lot of eye balls.
"I believe the idea was to try to make it like the Ryder Cup, which I think is a pretty huge event for golf. I think it would be great if it was similar in our sport. I think it needs to be given a specific time and doesn't make it so difficult for the players to support this, because our Babe Ruth -- you know, he's a famous baseball player -- but one of the hugest guys in our sport historically is Rod Laver," John McEnroe said.
"So to have his name is really important. And obviously Roger being involved is really key. Is maybe most important that he remains involved. I believe he will, and I think that's important for this event. And it will evolve," he added.
Team World will be going up against a formidable Team Europe at the 2024 Laver Cup, which includes a line-up of Carlos Alcaraz, Alexander Zverev, Daniil Medvedev, Casper Ruud, Grigor Dimitrov and Stefanos Tsitsipas.