Friday night: Federer gets dream career end with Nadal pairing
Roger Federer will partner long-term rival Rafael Nadal for his final match as a professional tennis player in the Laver Cup on Friday night.
The Swiss superstar announced his decision to retire from the sport earlier this month, and this weekend’s event at the O2 Arena will be his swansong.
After having three major knee operations in recent years, Federer was always likely to only be fit enough to play doubles for Team Europe, and he had previously spoken of his desire to play alongside Nadal.
Team Europe captain Bjorn Borg has granted the 20-time grand slam champion his wish, and he will take to the court with Nadal, a 22-time major winner, to face Frances Tiafoe and Jack Sock of Team World at around 9pm on Friday. ‘I’m not sure if I can handle it all but I’ll try,’ said Federer, 41.
‘This one feels a whole lot different. I’m happy to have him on my team and not playing against him.
‘Playing with Rafa feels really different. To be able to do it one more time, I’m sure it will be wonderful and I’ll try my very best. ‘I’ll enjoy it but it will be very hard.’
Following the announcement of Federer and Nadal teaming up, ticket prices on re-sale sites have soared.
A single ticket is now being valued at £8,800 on Viagogo, with fans eager to get one last look at Federer before he bows out.
Federer and Nadal took to the court to practice in front of fans and media on Thursday, and the pair appeared in good spirits ahead of their highly-anticipated match.
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For once, they were on the same side of the court, a slightly strange sight given their epic rivalry over the years.
They have faced each other 40 times, with their first meeting coming back in 2004. Nadal won that match and holds a 24-16 head-to-head advantage over Federer.
It was all smiles between the duo on this occasion as they delighted fans by going through their full array of groundstrokes and serves, with Federer showing no ill-effects of the knee problems that have troubled him lately.
The whole event is due to be played across three days from Friday to Sunday, with a total of 24 points on offer, meaning a team needs to gain 13 points to win.