Roger Federer, Rafael Nadal To Team Up At Laver Cup In September

Tennis legends Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal plan to team up later this year for the fifth edition of the Laver Cup, set for Sept. 23-25 at The O2 in London.

Just as they did in 2017 when they paired in doubles in Prague, both players will represent Team Europe as they take on Team World in a bid to retain the Laver Cup for a fifth successive time under captain Bjorn Borg.

Federer, 40, hasn’t played single losing in the quarterfinals of Wimbledon last summer to Hubert Hurkacz, dropping the final set 6-0. He said this week that he should know by April or May whether he can return to tennis, and revealed that he still is unable to run as he tries to make his way back from yet another knees surgery.

“I’m really looking forward to getting back into competition later this year and Laver Cup is very much part of my plan,” Federer, the 20-time Grand Slam champion, said in a statement. “It’s no secret that I love the event and I’m super excited to be returning to The O2 and to London, one of the greatest cities in the world.

“Rafa is an incredible person and an inspiration to me and countless others around the world. He messaged me on social media after the Laver Cup in Boston last year suggesting we play doubles in London and I am definitely up for a Laver Cup ‘Fedal’ comeback!”

The 35-year-old Nadal won a record 21st Grand Slam title last Sunday when he beat Daniil Medvedev in the Australian Open final, surpassing Federer and Novak Djokovic on the all-time men’s Slam list.

Nadal has been part of the Laver Cup twice, in Prague and then again Geneva in 2019. He paired up with Federer for their first and only doubles match together at the inaugural Laver Cup in Prague back in 2017, delighting fans who revelled in the unique experience of the long-time rivals becoming teammates as they beat Americans Sam Querrey and Jack Sock in three sets.

“The Laver Cup is such a unique event and I’ve loved competing in it,” said Nadal.

“I suggested to Roger we should play doubles together in London and he seems keen, so now we just need to persuade our captain Bjorn!”

“Roger has been a huge part of my career, a big rival and also a true friend. To be part of Team Europe together is great and if we’re able to possibly share the court one more time as a doubles pairing then this would be a truly special experience for us both at this stage in our careers.”

Borg said he’s thrilled to be able to name two of the sport’s greatest players as his first two “Captain’s Picks” as he builds Team Europe for 2022.

“It doesn’t get much better than being able to select Rafa and Roger for the Laver Cup in London,” said Borg.

“What Rafa just achieved at the Australian Open last weekend was incredible. He embodies the spirit of our game and we are so lucky to have him and Roger as role models for our sport. Two great champions, one incredible city and an iconic venue – it is going to be truly momentous.”

“We first saw in Prague the excitement and buzz created by Roger and Rafa playing doubles together. Then, in Geneva, just having them side by side, coaching each other and cheering their teammates on from the player bench gave everyone a view into what makes them special.”

Named in honor of Australian tennis legend Rod Laver, the Laver Cup is played on a black court that will be constructed within The O2, a 20,000 seat arena. The three-day team competition pits six of the best players from Europe against six of their counterparts from the rest of the World.