Reigning US Open champion Novak Djokovic believes his debut at the Laver Cup has helped enhance the respect shared between him and Roger Federer.
The two tennis giants partnered up for the first time on Friday evening on the opening day of the three-day event. Representing Team Europe in the doubles, the duo was unable to produce a fairytale outcome. Losing to doubles specialist Jack Sock and Kevin Anderson 6-7, 6-3, 10-6.
“It was great to play with Roger, it was great fun,” world No.3 Djokovic said after the match. “We talked a lot of strategies on the bench and what was useful for our players.
“We have always had plenty of respect for each other, now that will be strengthened. But this kind of quality time is like no other.”
20-time grand slam champion Federer, who last won an ATP doubles title at the 2008 Beijing Open, was just as complementary when speaking about his long-time rival. The two have played against each other 46 times on the ATP World Tour. Djokovic currently leads their head-to-head 22-24 and has won their two most recent meetings.
“To team up with somebody of his caliber is just a treat you know,” said Federer.
12 months ago, 37-year-old Federer teamed up with another rival for the inaugural edition of the team event. The Swiss paired up with world No.1 Rafael Nadal in a doubles match. On that occasion Federer and Nadal prevailed over Sock and Sam Querrey after clinching the decider 10-5.
Now he has played alongside both Djokovic and Nadal, Federer is reluctant to draw any parallels between the two.
”Rafa and Nole are very different players, a lot of changes, opponents were very different too,” He explained.
“When you play doubles it’s different, it’s like speaking a different language, using a different side of your brain.
“And in a match like today (Saturday) you may go through games when you get no rhythm.“
Federer and Djokovic will return to action on the second day of the Laver Cup, but in singles. Federer will take on Nick Kyrgios and Djokovic takes on Anderson.
After the first day of the competition, team Europe has a 3-1 lead over team World.
