Friday night’s Laver Cup doubles match at the O2 in London will feature Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal. Federer, who is getting ready to retire, says, “You always want to play forever, but I realize everybody has to leave the game.”
At the Laver Cup on Friday night at London’s O2, Roger Federer will compete in his final professional match alongside the legendary Spanish opponent Rafael Nadal.
The 20-time Grand Slam champion expressed his desire to fight with his longest and fiercest adversary, Rafael Nadal, and Team Europe leader Bjorn Borg granted his demand. Around nine o’clock, Team World’s Frances Tiafoe and Jack Sock will go on Federer and Rafael Nadal, a 22-time major champion (BST).
Earlier, Andy Murray, making his Ryder Cup-style tournament debut, will face Alex De Minaur of Australia. After the Laver Cup, Federer revealed last week that his professional tennis career will come to an end.
The 41-year-old declares that he has “fallen in love with too many things” to quit tennis and pledges to continue playing in some form in order to avoid becoming a “ghost.” Federer has been dealing with a knee issue; his most recent competitive encounter was a defeat to Hubert Hurkacz in the Wimbledon quarterfinals of last year.
“I should have retired a long time ago. A moment like this, in my opinion, does not happen suddenly. With the help of my family, the team, and my closest friends, we went through an emotional process that I believe we handled effectively in the end “”Federer” stated.
“Everything worked out, and now we’re at the Laver Cup. But for me, the past several weeks have been far more peculiar than usual.”
The 41-year-old tennis player revealed his future intentions during a jam-packed news conference at the O2, saying: “I simply wanted to let the fans know I won’t be a ghost.
“I mentioned Bjorn Borg, the captain of Europe. He probably didn’t visit Wimbledon again for 25 years. Since tennis has given me so much, I don’t think I’ll ever be that man. I have spent much too much time in this game. Have too many things that I’m in love with.
“I enjoy running into old friends, so I kind of wanted to let my fans know that you’ll run into me again. Not simply never once more. Now, I’m not sure what it might be or how it might function.
What will Federer be most missed for?
The Swiss acknowledged, “I don’t want to say love-hate, but the things you’ll miss, you’re delighted you’re not having to do them again.” I enjoy getting dressed, tying my shoes, donning the bandanna, and asking myself in the mirror, “Are we prepared for this? Okay, let’s go forward.
Even though I adore it, I’m relieved I won’t have to go through it again. I’ve been waiting all day, having breakfast, and worrying about tonight since I have another important match. Oh, I still have to wait for it for another 15 hours.
Federer commented on his and Serena Williams’ retirements in an interview with Sky Sports, saying it had been an honor for them both to compete against players of different eras.
When asked what they had contributed to the game, Federer responded: “Certainly different things. But in the end, we each did it in our roles as parents.
“When we were young and went on tour, we never imagined that it would be our last (like this). It has been a joy for me and her to play across generations like this, and I believe we were the bridge from the older to the younger generation.
“I believe she changed the game of power like no other, and I consider that to be the highest praise. I’m not sure if I did that, but I did it my way, and I hope it was entertaining for everyone to see me play for so long. I’ve always wanted to play tennis again in some capacity, but I’m not sure what that would be.
Federer is not quite confident in serve and volley.
The eight-time Wimbledon winner praised the up-and-coming players, including as new world No. 1 Carlos Alcaraz, Alexander Zverev, Daniil Medvedev, Stefanos Tsitsipas, and Andrey Rublev, but claimed that athleticism and all-court coverage are gradually replacing the classic serve and volley.
He declared, “The best players are the best movers.” “If you look at what they are capable of, it has already been this way for ten, twenty years, and it will continue to be this way. That is likely to remain how it is. With regard to serve and volley, I’m not so sure. After the serve, I believe it is simpler to remain at the baseline.
“There are undoubtedly ways to play an all-court, transition game, which I like doing. My transition game and half-volleys were also my favorites. I was aware that if I hit it onto the service line, my opponent would have a chance to attack. They will arrive. In order to hold them back, I should play one meter from the baseline. Anything short will result in their entry.
“That’s not the situation today. We probably won’t know precisely which direction tennis will take, but I still believe it will be really fascinating. We will witness some absurd defending, incredible power, and tremendous personalities. I’ll be their biggest supporter. Everything will be well.