Laver Cup 2022: Roger Federer gears up for Last Dance with Rafael Nadal by his aspect

Roger Federer won’t play one other Grand Slam match however he will probably be in London, one of the vital memorable venues for the 20-time main champion who’s getting ready for his Last Dance within the metropolis. Federer will play his final aggressive match on Friday within the Laver Cup.

Federer couldn’t have requested for a greater farewell as he will probably be having his greatest rivals, who’ve turn into his shut mates through the years, by his aspect on the court docket. Federer will convey the curtains down on his celebrated profession with a doubles match in opposition to his favorite foe, Rafael Nadal.

London has worn a festive look and the demand for tickets on the O2 Arena for Friday hit the roof. Federer himself, it appears, has made peace with the choice after having introduced his retirement on September 15. The London crowd gave Federer a rousing reception as gamers from Team Europe and Team World graced the court docket on Friday afternoon forward of the primary singles match.

However, Federer is not going to play singles on the Laver Cup and is ready to withdraw and make manner for Matteo Berrettini after his doubles match with Federer. The legendary duo will face Jack Sock and Frances Tiafoe of the USA within the ultimate match on the opening day of the Laver Cup.

Federer wished for Nadal as his doubles associate and there was no shock that the Swiss nice bought his want granted by Team Europe captain Bjorn Borg.

FEDAL TIME!

Nadal and Federer will group up for the latter’s farwell match in London (AP Photo)

Federer has met Nadal 40 occasions on the tour in one of the vital storied rivalries within the sport’s historical past and the 2 taking part in collectively within the Swiss nice’s ultimate match is an announcement in itself.

Nadal, who had penned a heartfelt be aware after Federer introduced retirement, mentioned he could not look forward to the unforgettable expertise. The Spaniard, who was pushed on by seeing Federer dominate the circuit within the early half of 2000s, has gone previous Federer’s tally with 22 Grand Slam titles, 2 of which got here in 2022 after he received the Australian Open and the French Open crowns.

“It’s going to be a different kind of pressure to be part of this historic moment,” Nadal informed reporters.

“It’s going to be something amazing and unforgettable for me. I’m super excited. maybe we can create a good moment and maybe win the match.”

Federer and Nadal have produced among the absolute classics in males’s tennis through the years. Nadal asserted his dominance on the tour by stopping Federer’s bid for a sixth straight Wimbledon title in 2008. It was solely poetic that Federer received the Australian Open in 2017, making a powerful comeback to finish a 4-year drought.

EMOTIONAL EVENING IN LONDON

Federer’s final Grand Slam victory got here in 2018 in Melbourne and his final Grand Slam ultimate was in opposition to Novak Djokovic in 2019. Djokovic will probably be on the O2 Arena, cheering for one among his greatest rivals from the sidelines.

Djokovic too spoke extremely in regards to the legacy that Federer would depart when he hangs up his boots on Friday.

The highlight will probably be on one man on Friday night because the tennis world will, for one final time, watch the right mix of textbook tennis and intense aggressive spirit.

Federer has dealt with the build-up to his ultimate aggressive match with class, not letting feelings take over. Can he stay composed on Friday too?

“I’m not sure if I can handle (all the emotions) but I will try,” Federer mentioned.

“This one feels a whole lot different. It’s super special playing with Rafa. Feels very different you know.”

— ENDS —