As Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal bids to win the final grand slam of 2017, the pair will be hoping to triumph together in a couple weeks time.
After the US Open, the two stars will head to Prague for the inaugural Laver Cup. A team competition featuring Europe against the rest of the world. Named after 11-time grand slam champion Rod Laver, the event is inspired by the prestigious Ryder Cup in golf.
Team Europe will be headed by captain Bjorn Borg. Other members include Dominic Thiem, Tomas Berdych, Alexander Zverev and Marin Cilic. Last year in an interview with CNN, Borg described Federer as ‘the greatest player to ever play the game.’ There is high respect between both men. During this year’s US Open, Federer said that he will be relishing his time spent with the Swede at the upcoming tournament.
“For me to spend time with Bjorn, it’s quite rare. He doesn’t spend so much time on the tour. When he shows up, it’s short. I feel every minute you get with him is a privilege.” Federer said following his win over Feliciano Lopez.
Whilst Federer is looking forward to time with the captain, fans are eagerly anticipating his work alongside Nadal. The two have been part of one of the greatest rivalries in the Open Era. So far they have clashed 37 times on the tour with Nadal winning 23 of those.
“Rafa, he has been such a wonderful champion and a good friend of mine on the tour, one of my biggest rivals for life, that it’s just nice to be able to spend some time with him and support him,” The 36-year-old explained.
Exchanging pleasantries, both men currently stand in each other’s way of reaching the US Open final. Should Federer and Nadal reach the semifinals, they will clash for the first time at the US Open. It is a mouthwatering prospect the tournament organisers are hoping for, but the 36-year-old is trying to cool down the hype.
“For many years Rafa and me, we’ve tried to play against each other here, and it just didn’t work out,” the world No.3 said. “Now this week, I don’t feel necessarily the pressure’s there.
“I’m happy I’m still around. Rafa fought well through again today. I’m happy for him, too. We’ll see if it gets done or not. I’m curious to see myself.”
Resuming their campaigns on Monday, Nadal will take on Alexander Dolgopolov. Meanwhile, Federer faces Germany’s Philipp Kohlschreiber.
