Greats of modern tennis, and those who ruled the court several generations ago, descended on the cobblestones of Prague today as the city welcomed a glittering cast competing in the Laver Cup.
Ferried in blue and red Mercedes-Benz G-Class SUVs, the Team Europe squad led by legend Bjorn Borg and opponents Team World led by Borg’s former rival John McEnroe, were taken to the Old Town Square for a welcome ceremony.
Tourists and tennis fans surrounded the large stage set up in this historic center of Prague, to witness the young history of this new event, starring world No.1 Rafael Nadal, No.2 Roger Federer, Alexander Zverev, Dominic Thiem, Marin Cilic, Tomas Berdych, Nick Kyrgios, John Isner, Sam Querrey, Jack Sock, Denis Shapovalov and Frances Tiafoe.
Nadal said it meant a great deal to “have amazing players next to me.”
19-time major winner Federer said it was wonderful to be back
“It’s nice to see you all again. To see all the players here on stage in this beautiful city is very exciting. I can’t wait to spend a week with the boys and hopefully play very well on the weekend.”
Added Bjorn Borg: “I’m honored to be the captain of Team Europe. I know it’s going to be a great competition, one thing is for sure, we are here to win.”
The Laver Cup welcome ceremony unfolds at the Old Town Square. (Photo by Julian Finney/Getty Images for Laver Cup)
Team World on the big stage at the Old Town Square, Prague. Credit: Ben Solomon/Laver Cup
Roger Federer arrives in the Old Town Square (Photo by Julian Finney/Getty Images for Laver Cup)
Tomas Berdych of The Czech Republic waves to fans ahead of the Laver Cup on September 20, 2017 in Prague, Czech Republic. Photo by Clive Brunskill/Getty Images for Laver Cup
Team Europe players at a special welcome to Prague ceremony. Credit: Julian Finney/Getty Images
Tomas Berdych, Alexander Zverev and Roger Federer. Credit: Ben Solomon/Laver Cup
Bjorn Borg and John McEnroe at the official welcome in Prague on 20 September 2017. Credit: Ben Solomon/LaverCup
Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal at the official welcome in Prague on 20 September 2017. Credit: Ben Solomon/LaverCup
Marin Cilic of Croatia looks on during a photoshoot ahead of the Laver Cup on September 20, 2017 in Prague (Photo by Julian Finney/Getty Images for Laver Cup)
Alexander Zverev looks on during a photoshoot ahead of the Laver Cup on September 20, 2017 in Prague, Czech Republic. (Photo by Julian Finney/Getty Images for Laver Cup)
Team World player Frances Tiafoe at the Laver Cup player welcome. Credit: Ben Solomon/Laver Cup
World No.1 Rafael Nadal arrives at the player welcome ceremony in Prague for the Laver Cup. Credit: Ben Solomon/Laver Cup
Rod Laver waves to fans ahead of the Laver Cup on September 20, 2017 in Prague, Czech Republic. (Photo by Julian Finney/Getty Images for Laver Cup)
Teams from Europe and the World come together at the Vltava.River in Prague. Credit: Ben Solomon/Laver Cup
Team World teammates Nick Kyrgios and Jack Sock arrive for the player welcome ceremony in Prague. Credit: Ben Solomon/Laver Cup
Team World player Sam Querrey at the Player Welcome Ceremony in Prague. Photo: Ben Solomon/Laver Cup
