Tennis fans hoping for a repeat of Saturday’s Laver Cup doubles match, featuring Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal playing on the same side of the court, may have to wait a while to see it again.
The top two tennis players in the world paired up to take on Sam Querrey and Jack Sock at the O2 Arena in Prague. Battling to a 6-4, 1-6, 10-5, win in what was their first ever doubles match as a team. The two have been long-time rivals on the tour with Nadal leading their head-to-head 23-14.
“After all the history that we have behind us, like rivals, to be together the same part of the court, fighting for a team is something that I think we really enjoyed a lot.” Nadal told reporters over the weekend.
Now that both men have a taste of what it is like to join forces on the court, some are wondering if it could become a more regular thing in the future. Whilst both are record breakers in the singles competition, their record in the doubles is a big contrast. Federer has won eight trophies, with his last being at the 2008 Olympic Games with Stan Wawrinka. Meanwhile, Nadal has 11 doubles titles, including two from last year.
Federer was asked if he would consider playing the doubles with Nadal beyond 2020 when he would be ‘a little to old to play the singles’ according to one journalist. Prompting a humorous response from the 19-time grand slam champion.
“Yeah, that’s a great idea,” Federer replied with a smile.
“Are you going to become Swiss, as well, maybe, and then we can play doubles together at the Olympics? Or I will become Spaniard? I don’t know.” He then said to Nadal.
Jokes aside, the reality of a Fedal presence on the main tour remains an unlikely factor. Nadal hasn’t played in the doubles draw of a grand slam tournament since 2005 and Federer hasn’t since 2004.
“I don’t think is going to be a good idea. I think we are singles players at the end of the day, so it’s tough to imagine that way we keep playing doubles after we stop playing singles, no.” Concluded Nadal.
Out of the ‘big four,’ it is Nadal who has the best result in a grand slam doubles tournament. In 2004 he reached the semifinals of the US Open with Tommy Robredo.
