The 20-time Grand Slam champion, dogged by a knee damage, has not performed because the 2021 Wimbledon quarterfinals and final week introduced his retirement at the age of 41.
Switzerland’s Roger Federer waves after a follow session forward of the 2022 Laver Cup at the O2 Arena in London on 22 September 2022. Picture: Glyn KIRK/AFP
LONDON – Roger Federer will deliver the curtain down on his spectacular profession in a “super special” match alongside long-time rival Rafael Nadal at the Laver Cup in London on Friday.
The 20-time Grand Slam champion, dogged by a knee damage, has not performed because the 2021 Wimbledon quarterfinals and final week introduced his retirement at the age of 41.
But he’ll seem for one remaining time for Team Europe at the Laver Cup, linking up with Nadal in a dream doubles pairing towards Team World’s Frances Tiafoe and Jack Sock at the O2 enviornment.
The Swiss nice has loved a storied rivalry with the Spaniard over almost 20 years and collectively they’ve gained 42 Grand Slam singles titles in a golden period for the lads’s sport.
The pair performed 40 instances, together with in 9 Grand Slam finals, with Nadal holding a 24-16 profitable report, however this time they are going to be on the identical facet of the online within the Ryder Cup-style occasion.
The six-strong Team Europe additionally consists of Novak Djokovic and Andy Murray – the opposite two members of the so-called “Big Four” – in a becoming climax to Federer’s profession.
Italian Matteo Berrettini will take Federer’s place for the ultimate two days of the three-day match.
“Of course, it’s super special playing with Rafa,” Federer stated at a packed press convention on Thursday. “Feels really different, you know.
“Also simply strolling out on court docket and having the possibility to play with the likes of Rafa or Novak additionally prior to now has been an incredible expertise for me.
“So to be able to do that one more time, I’m sure it’s going to be wonderful. I will try my very best. I hope to be good out there, and of course I will enjoy it but it will be hard.”
Nadal, who first performed Federer on the ATP Tour in 2004, stated he was wanting ahead to an “unforgettable” match alongside the Swiss.
“After all the amazing things that we shared together on and off court, to be part of this historic moment is going be something amazing, unforgettable for me,” stated the 36-year outdated, who has gained a report 22 Grand Slam singles titles in males’s tennis.
‘VOID’
Team World captain John McEnroe stated Federer’s retirement would depart “a void that will never be filled”.
“This is beyond belief what him and the other two guys (Djokovic and Nadal) have done,” he stated. “He doesn’t need my advice. He’s in a great position. He’s a total class act.
“We all know that. He loves the game. That’s a part of why he gained a lot, in my e book. He loves it. I’m hopeful that he, and I imagine he shall be round it ultimately, form, or type.”
US great Pete Sampras, whose record of 14 Grand Slam singles titles Federer surpassed in 2009, paid a warm tribute to the Swiss, remembering their one and only meeting in 2001.
“We had an ideal battle on the Centre Court at Wimbledon and also you took me down in a tricky five-setter and I simply keep in mind strolling off the court docket feeling like I’d met my match,” he said in a video posted on social media.
“Truly a particular participant. Little did I do know 20 years later that you just’d have 20 majors, been primary for years, dominated our sport, principally do all of it.”
Norway’s Casper Ruud faces Sock within the first match of the Laver Cup on Friday earlier than Greece’s Stefanos Tsitsipas meets Argentina’s Diego Schwartzman within the second singles match.
Murray, making his debut at the Laver Cup, will play Australia’s Alex de Minaur at the beginning of the evening session earlier than Federer and Nadal take to the court docket.