Laver Cup 2022, London - Sep 23-25, 2022
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Re: Laver Cup 2022, London - Sep 23-25, 2022
By Ravi Ubha | Laver Cup
Published on September 21, 2022
The eyes of fans and sports’ cognoscenti around the world are witnessing one of the biggest goodbyes to an athlete tennis has known.
Ever since Roger Federer announced his retirement, a guessing game has ensued: when would he play his first and last match at Laver Cup 2022? Who might he pair with in doubles?
The Swiss maestro provided the answer Wednesday afternoon at London’s O2 Arena in a briefing with the press. It was his first media conference since taking to social media last week to break the news that prompted a flood of praise for his glittering career, well wishes and sadness.
Indeed the 20-time Grand Slam winner — whose contribution to tennis surpasses even his plethora of trophies — said doubles in Friday’s night session at The O2 would mark the last time he ever steps on court as a pro.
And the 41-year-old didn’t rule out long-time oncourt rival and friend Rafael Nadal partnering him on Team Europe.
“For me it will be special to share the court with anybody, regardless,” said Federer, who last competed in the 2021 Wimbledon quarterfinals against Poland’s Hubert Hurkacz, before being sidelined with a knee injury.
“It will be special because I haven’t been on a tennis court for so, so long.
Call it Laver Cup deja vu if it transpires.
The pair sent tennis fans into a frenzy when they played doubles together at the inaugural Laver Cup in Prague in 2017.
Their differing styles have produced numerous classics as they graced the overwhelming majority of tennis’ grandest stages.
“I think it could be quite a unique situation if it were to happen, for as long as we battled together to having always this respect for one another, the families, our coaching teams,” said Federer.
“We always got along really well.”
“For us as well to go through a career that we both have had and to come out on the other side and being able to have a nice relationship, I think is maybe a great message as well, to not just tennis but sports and maybe even beyond. For that reason I think it would be great.”
Roger Federer greets long-time rival and Team Europe teammate Novak Djokovic at The O2.
Federer joins Nadal, Novak Djokovic, Andy Murray, Casper Ruud, and Stefanos Tsitsipas onTeam Captain Bjorn Borg’s formidable side.
“It’s going to be a crazy week, but a good one,” said Federer, who idolized Borg as a child. “And having Novak, Rafa and Andy there obviously adds even more to it all. It almost looks like I organized it this way, but I really didn’t. I was just really happy that everybody was eager to play.
“We have never had Andy on the team and so having him on the team is going to be very special. I know it, especially with what he has gone through in terms of injuries. And then I think me, too, announcing (my retirement). I think we have a lot to talk about.”
Roger Federer and teammate Andy Murray catch up at practice.
That Federer’s career concludes in London is certainly apt.
He opened his Grand Slam account west of The O2 Arena at Wimbledon in 2003, tallying a men’s record eight titles overall at the grass court major. The last two of his six titles at the ATP Finals also came at The O2.
“I’m happy to do it here in London,” said Federer. “Thinking about it, this city has been special to me. Maybe the most special place with Wimbledon down the road and here at The O2. (Having) played here and qualified for so many years and won here as well. I just thought it was very fitting. I have always enjoyed the crowds here as well.
“Having Bjorn on the bench with me for my final game resonated also in a big way with me. Having all the other guys around just felt like I was not going to be lonely announcing my retirement.
“Not that I wanted to hijack this event or anything, but I always feel sorry for players who sometimes retire on the tour, say, ‘I’m going to play one more match,’ then at one point you lose and there you stand all alone. Obviously 99% of the time you will lose at one point because only one guy wins the tournament.
“I just felt like this works very well here.”
Federer won’t be alone. His peers, thousands at The O2 and millions watching worldwide will make sure of that.
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Re: Laver Cup 2022, London - Sep 23-25, 2022
Fans will be able to play along with all the action at Laver Cup London 2022 and win prizes through the new free-to-play online game, Laver Cup Unrivaled Challenge…
Read more here
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Re: Laver Cup 2022, London - Sep 23-25, 2022
The line-up is set for Day 1 of the Laver Cup
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Re: Laver Cup 2022, London - Sep 23-25, 2022
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Re: Laver Cup 2022, London - Sep 23-25, 2022
So we will see a final Fedal match tomorrow night... Roger will be happy!
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Re: Laver Cup 2022, London - Sep 23-25, 2022
Laver Cup Day sessions start times (friendly reminder)
The evening sessions on Friday & Saturday start 6 hours later.
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Re: Laver Cup 2022, London - Sep 23-25, 2022
No messing from Laver Cup organisers
— Michael Hincks (@MichaelHincks) September 22, 2022
First Team Europe practice session on main court open to public and they roll out Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal to have a hit with Novak Djokovic and Andy Murray
*quite* a popular decision #LaverCup2022 pic.twitter.com/mSyYp2TtlA
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Re: Laver Cup 2022, London - Sep 23-25, 2022
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Re: Laver Cup 2022, London - Sep 23-25, 2022
Ready to take on the World @CasperRuud98 @andy_murray @DjokerNole @cam_norrie @steftsitsipas pic.twitter.com/tXeHuQKVvi
— Roger Federer (@rogerfederer) September 21, 2022
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Re: Laver Cup 2022, London - Sep 23-25, 2022
Sep 22, 2022 - Sky Sports News
Roger Federer has arrived in London with the Laver Cup's European stars. Former world number ones Andy Murray and Novak Djokovic paid tribute to the 20-time Grand Slam champion. Federer himself admitted that preparations for the tournament felt surreal knowing retirement was just around the corner.
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Re: Laver Cup 2022, London - Sep 23-25, 2022
Roger Federer says that he hopes to play alongside Rafael Nadal in the doubles at the Laver Cup. The Swiss announced last week that he will not play in any further Grand Slams or on the ATP Tour after the Laver Cup, but told Barbara Schett in an exclusive interview for Eurosport that he wanted to bring the curtain down on his career alongside old rival Rafael Nadal.
Eurosport - Sep 21, 2022
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Re: Laver Cup 2022, London - Sep 23-25, 2022
#Fedal pic.twitter.com/DiTxIcXf7u
— Roger Federer (@rogerfederer) September 22, 2022
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Re: Laver Cup 2022, London - Sep 23-25, 2022
Once in a lifetime experience to be on the same court with these legends and rivals. Thank you @LaverCup for making it possible. Looking forward to a great weekend of tennis and a celebration of @rogerfederer’s career. @RafaelNadal @andy_murray pic.twitter.com/eMAGnbHxle
— Novak Djokovic (@DjokerNole) September 22, 2022
Fun practice today #LaverCup pic.twitter.com/5Mbd2mJSHN
— Andy Murray (@andy_murray) September 22, 2022
My man. Enjoy tomorrow. Will be watching/cheering from afar. Cheers!
— andyroddick (@andyroddick) September 22, 2022
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Re: Laver Cup 2022, London - Sep 23-25, 2022
Nice volley by Roger, by the way!
Laver Cup at the O2. Staff and children from @Brettenham1882 there today to watch practice sessions. On court Nadal, Murray, Djokovic, Federer. Free tickets from @the_LTA for attending a course. Brilliant pic.twitter.com/FiOpoRKPIY
— Enfield PE Team (@EnfieldPETeam) September 22, 2022
This point from BIG 4 @andy_murray @DjokerNole @rogerfederer @RafaelNadal (epirus_london IG) pic.twitter.com/pCuNU5rrtY
— Andy Murray Fan Club (@MagicMurrayFans) September 22, 2022
The end of quite possibly the most amazing practice session I will ever witness. Thank you @rogerfederer @RafaelNadal @andy_murray @DjokerNole pic.twitter.com/1imoC5OhQr
— Claire (@FadingTramlines) September 22, 2022
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Re: Laver Cup 2022, London - Sep 23-25, 2022
So proud to be able to call you a friend
— Roger Federer (@rogerfederer) September 22, 2022
Thanks for everything. #Borg pic.twitter.com/nsPPnvevtN
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