In his last match, Roger Federer, one of the most admired and liked players on the tennis tour, will team up to play a doubles match with the other tennis legend, longtime rival and friend Rafael Nadal on Friday at the Laver Cup in what the former World No. 1 confirmed on Twitter would be his final tour-level match.
It is fair to say that Federer’s retirement has caused sadness among the millions of fans that root for him. He is probably the most beloved of all tennis players and known for his gentlemanly behavior, something that cannot be said for too many of the tournament players where tension is high and nerves are frayed.
The Swiss and Spaniard will take to court against Jack Sock and Frances Tiafoe at the 02 in London following the conclusion of Andy Murray’s match against Alex de Minaur, which will start at 7 p.m. local time.
“I am not sure if I will be able to handle it all but I will try,” Federer said during Team Europe’s post-tournament press conference. “I’ve had some tough moments in the past, being horribly nervous. All these years. This match feels a whole lot different. Playing with Rafa feels really different.”
“To be part of this historic moment is amazing and unforgettable for me,” Nadal said during the press conference. “I am super excited and I hope I can play at a good level. Hopefully, together we can create a good moment and hopefully win a match.”
Last week, the 103 tour-level titlist Federer announced that the Laver Cup will be the final tournament of his career. The three-day event, which starts on Friday, sees Team Europe face Team World in a series of singles and doubles matches.
Casper Ruud, Nadal, Stefanos Tsitsipas, Djokovic, Murray, Federer, Matteo Berrettini and alternate Cameron Norrie will represent Team Europe at The O2, with captain Bjorn Borg leading the side.
Captain John McEnroe will be aiming to guide Team World to its first victory against Team Europe. Felix Auger-Aliassime, Taylor Fritz, Diego Schwartzman, Alex de Minaur, Tiafoe, Sock and alternate Tommy Paul make up his squad.
