Tennis legend John McEnroe has described Boston as a “phenomenal sports town” after it was announced that next year’s Laver Cup will be held at TD Garden from 25-27 September 2020.
The Laver Cup is a men’s tennis competition featuring two six-player teams, Europe and the World. Played over three days, each day sees four matches on court (three singles and one doubles).
After Team Europe beat Team World 13-11 in Geneva, Switzerland, in September 2019 it was confirmed that the 2020 edition will be heading Stateside for a second time. The inaugural event was held in Prague in 2017, followed by Chicago (2018) and Geneva (2019).
Home to the NHL’s Boston Bruins and NBA’s Boston Celtics, the 19,600-seat TD Garden arena welcomes more than 3.5 million people at its 200 annual sporting, music and entertainment events.
With tennis now on the arena’s 2020 schedule there was positive reaction to Boston being named host city of the Laver Cup.
‘Deep sporting culture’
As one of the world’s great sporting cities Boston is not just home to the Bruins and Celtics but also the MLB’s Boston Red Sox and reigning NFL Super Bowl champions the New England Patriots.
Tony Godsick, CEO of TEAM8 and chairman of the Laver Cup, said Boston is the “perfect setting” for the tennis spectacle.
“The city has a deep sporting culture, but it is also steeped in profound historical events, all of which resonate with the values of the Laver Cup and its tribute to the rich heritage of tennis,” said Godsick.
“The Laver Cup is like nothing else in world tennis. Over one amazing weekend we bring together the greatest current players as teammates, as well as great legends and rivals from previous generations.”
Steve Zacks, CEO of the Laver Cup, added: “TD Garden is a haven for sports fans. The arena is close to completing a more than $100m expansion plan and nothing is being spared to create the ultimate fan experience. We can’t wait to bring the Laver Cup to this spectacular venue.”
‘Raise the roof’
Team World captain McEnroe and Team Europe skipper Bjorn Borg will continue in their roles for next year’s event.
McEnroe expects the Boston crowds to be in fine voice when the global tennis stars take to the court at TD Garden. He said: “This is a phenomenal sports town and I expect fans will raise the roof.
“[Chicago in] 2018 was unbelievably close thanks to the enthusiasm of home crowds. Boston is sure to continue that tradition at TD Garden, one of the best venues in the world.”
Boston Mayor Martin J Walsh is excited at the prospect of the stars of men’s tennis going head-to-head in his home city.
“I’m extremely excited and proud to announce that the city of Boston will host the next Laver Cup at the TD Garden in 2020, it’s a great honour for our city,” he said.
“We are already preparing for this highly acclaimed event and can’t wait to welcome the Laver Cup to the city of champions.”
2020 Laver Cup
- What: Team World vs. Team Europe men’s tennis event
- When: 25-27 September 2020
- Where: TD Garden, Boston, Massachusetts
- Website: lavercup.com
Images: TD Garden is home to the Boston Bruins NHL ice hockey team and the Boston Celtics NBA basketball team (tdgarden.com)
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