19-time grand slam champion Roger Federer arrived in the Czech Republic on Monday ahead of this weekend’s inaugural Laver Cup.
The new team event, named after former player Rod Laver, features team Europe against the rest of the world. Federer will play alongside world No.1 Rafael Nadal and the two could potentially play a doubles match together for the first time. In total, 12 players will be participating in the event with the team captains being John McEnroe (world) and Bjorn Borg (Europe).
Speaking to Czech media yesterday, Federer has defended the status of the Laver Cup. Insisting that it shouldn’t be classed as an exhibition event or compared to the Davis Cup. Some have previously argued that new events like this threatens the future of the Davis Cup, which has been played annually since 1900.
“The Laver Cup is three days a year and that’s it. It’s quite different in my opinion. It’s a new event, hopefully this will be the start of a great history.” Said Federer.
“It’s not an exhibition, I know some people mention that word, I don’t even like it. We are playing in the honor and legacy of Rod Laver. Bjorn Borg definitely wants to win and I know John McEnroe does not want to lose.”
The Swiss 36-year-old will be hoping to return to winning ways following his loss to Juan Martin del Potro in the quarterfinals of the US Open. So far this season, he has won four ATP titles. Two grand slams and two Masters 1000 events.
“I was tired after the US Open. Many things in my body were broken. I’m feeling better now,” he explained.
In recent weeks Federer has been troubled back a back issue.
The three-day Laver Cup will begin this Friday at the O2 Arena in Prague. Joining Federer and Nadal in team Europe will be Marin Cilic, Dominic Thiem, Alexander Zverev and Tomas Berdych. In the world team will be Jack Sock, Nick Kyrgios, John Isner, Sam Querrey, Juan Martin del Potro and Denis Shapovalov.
On each day there will be three singles and one doubles match played. Each match win equates to one point. The first team to reach 13 points is declared the winner. If the score is level at 12-12, a decisive rubber would then be played.
