London, Feb 3 (Agency) Tennis superstars Rafael Nadal and Roger Federer on Thursday confirmed that they will be teaming up for the fifth edition of the Laver Cup, to be held here at The O2 Arena from September 23-25. 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 the watchful eye of captain Bjorn Borg. Nadal stunned the world in an epic 2022 Australian Open final, coming back from two sets down to beat Russian Daniil Medvedev and become the first man in history to win 21 Grand Slam titles.
Federer is delighted that Nadal will be joining him in London for the Laver Cup. “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’m definitely up for a Laver Cup ‘Fedal’ comeback!” said the 20-time Grand Slam champion Federer. 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 edition in Prague back in 2017, where they beat Americans Sam Querrey and Jack Sock in three sets.
“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!” said Nadal. “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.” Named in honor of Australian tennis legend Rod Laver, the tournament is played on a dramatic black court that will be constructed within The O2 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.