Rafael Nadal hopes he will be able to make Roger Federer’s last-ever match ‘more special’ by pairing up with the Swiss maestro at the Laver Cup.
The two giants of the sport will join forces at the three-day team competition which also marks the end of Federer’s career. On Friday evening the duo will take on Jack Sock and Frances Tiafoe in what will be only the second time they have played competitively together after the 2017 Laver Cup.
It is fitting that Nadal has been selected to play alongside Federer considering their historic rivalry. They have locked horns on the Tour 40 times with Nadal winning 24 of those encounters. Nine of their meetings have been in a Grand Slam final and their most recent clash was in the semi-finals of the 2019 Wimbledon Championships.
“Well, it will be a difficult match to handle, honestly,” Nadal told Eurosport about playing alongside his long-time rival.
“Let us see how the thing evolves, but I just hope to help in a small way to help make his last match even more special.
“I think it is going to be unforgettable, and I am just proud and happy to be next to him on this very special moment.”
During a rivalry which started 18 years ago at the 2004 Miami Open, Nadal said the two have managed to form a strong bond and have always enjoyed a ‘positive relationship’ with each other. Between them, they have won 42 major trophies and held the No.1 position for a staggering 519 weeks (nine years and 51 weeks).
“We have always had a very easy and positive relationship since the beginning,” Nadal said.
“I don’t know, but since the beginning, I think the feelings have been positive. They have even grown in a better way over the years.
“In some way, when you have a rivalry like we have had, we have played exhibitions for our foundations, we have shared important moments in the history of this sport.
“On court and off court we were together, on the council for a long time. So we were able to build this relationship in a very positive way.
“He has been a very positive example for everyone, and for me personally, without a doubt.”
Federer, who hasn’t played since Wimbledon last year due to a right knee injury, spoke extensively with the media on Wednesday during what was one of the last press conferences of his career. Vowing not to disappear from the sport after retirement, he said playing his farewell match alongside the Spaniard would be the ideal scenario for him.
“It is clear that the most beautiful thing would be to play doubles here with Nadal, because it has been my great rivalry,” he said.
The first day of the Laver Cup will start at 13:00 BST and three matches will take place before Federer takes to the court.
