Roger Federer vs Rafael Nadal, for the last dance

The countdown began last Thursday, when Roger Federer officially announced his retirement. The 41-year-old Swiss will play the last match of his career in the Laver Cup, at the O2 in London (England), and he does it with his ideal partner.

Rafael Nadal was in London early on Thursday, ready for a big moment for him and tennis, to accompany his friend and greatest rival. They will face Jack Sock and Frances Tiafoe in the Laver Cup doubles match.

Federer’s choice to pair with Nadal makes his farewell more flashy.

“After all the incredible things we’ve shared on and off the track, being a part of this historic moment is unforgettable,” Nadal told a press conference with the European team.

“I’m very excited and hope to play at a high level. Hopefully we can create a great moment and, maybe, win,” the Spaniard continued.

The Spanish champion used to fight Federer in 2017 (won the pair Sam Querrey – Jack Sock from the US). He said they are good friends.

“Personal relationships are more important than professional relationships,” said Nadal. “It will be very difficult to manage things, especially for him, without a doubt, but also for me.”

This year, Nadal won the Australian Open and Roland Garros titles, bringing his personal record to 22 Grand Slams. He has one more major title than Novak Djokovic, and two wins over his partner in the Laver Cup.

Nadal said of the match: “One of the most important players in my career, if not the most important, is about to leave, so it will be difficult. I am delighted and grateful to hit the ball. farewell match. It’s definitely very special.”

How does the 36-year-old tennis player from Mallorca feel when he hears that Federer is retiring? Does that change in any way the perception of the rest of your own career?

“I don’t need to hear the news to know that the end is nearer,” said Nadal. “Ultimately, it’s the natural cycle of life, isn’t it? Some go and others come. It’s nothing new, history repeats itself.

What happened was that in this particular case, one of the most important tennis players in history, if not the most important, left after a super long career. And, of course, when the first one leaves, you’ll miss something. Personally, it’s very, very, very sad news and really difficult.”

The Last Dance of a Legend

At Nadal’s side, Federer displayed his usual sense of humor and joked non-stop.

“We’ll win, I hope,” smiled the elegantly styled legend.

“What happened that day? I forgot it…”, Federer pretended not to remember anything when referring to the longest final in Wimbledon history in 2019, when he had a chance to win the Grand. 21st Slam but lost to Djokovic 2-3.

It was also Federer’s final final. “Everybody is ready to play when healthy. Or half healthy …”, captain Bjorn Borg of the European team commented.

Roger’s body was no longer half normal due to repeated injuries.

For that, he wanted his goodbye to be a purely festive moment.

Laughter aside, Federer admits that it will be difficult to contain his emotions. Very sensitively, “Fed Express” refers to two unforgettable scenes after losing to Nadal: the first is the memorable 2008 final at Wimbledon, when he was emotional after the match lasted 4 hours and 48 minutes; A few months later was the moment he couldn’t hold back his tears in Melbourne, when he continued to lose 2-3.

“I’ve had some tough times in the past, I was very nervous,” he admitted.

The two legends marched with Djokovic and the rest of the European team, under the supervision of Borg.

“I’m proud to be able to call you a friend,” Federer paid tribute to Borg, the Nordic tennis player forced to retire at the age of 26, after winning 11 Grand Slams; Six Roland Garros titles and five consecutive Wimbledon titles (1976-1980).

Meanwhile, on the technical bench of the International team is John McEnroe.

“It’s been special to play with Rafa, it’s different. To be able to do it again is great,” said Federer of Nadal, who despite going through “difficult personal times” – due to complications during his wife’s pregnancy – but didn’t want to miss the appointment.

For the first time the so-called “Big Four” will meet, with Nole and Andy Murray in the European team. The three main experts, along with the one who created the most real resistance in their era of dominance, form the golden quartet.

“We’ve all seen Roger’s successes before going into the lap, some before and some after,” said Djokovic. “So now we’re going to celebrate Federer’s career, because he deserves it.”

For his part, Murray feels: “Seeing Roger and Rafa together, Borg on the side, Laver in the stands… It’s really a great way to end a career like his.”

Ngoc Huy | 13:51 September 23, 2022