LONDON: Roger Federer will team with 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.
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.”
Federer posted on his Twitter handle: “Tomorrow night. My last match. Doubles with
@RafaelNadal
??❤️”
Last week, the 103 tour-level titlist and 20-time Grand Slam winner announced that the Laver Cup, which his management company Team8 owns, will be the final tournament of his stellar career.
The 41-year-old has been out of action since a quarter-final loss at Wimbledon in 2021, after which he underwent his third knee surgery in 18 months.
Federer said his body had effectively told him it was time to bring the curtain down.
“I’ve worked hard to return to full competitive form,” he wrote. “But I also know my body’s capacities and limits, and its message to me lately has been clear.
“I am 41 years old. I have played more than 1500 matches over 24 years. “Tennis has treated me more generously than I ever would have dreamt, and now I must recognize when it is time to end my competitive career.”
The three-day event, which starts Friday, sees Team Europe face Team World in a series of singles and doubles matches.
Casper Ruud, Nadal, Stefanos Tsitsipas, Djokovic, Murray, Federer, Matteo Berrettin 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.
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Roger Federer calls time; Laver Cup his final tennis event
