Exclusive: Novak Djokovic hails Roger Federer ahead of Laver Cup farewell - 'His greatness will live forever'

Novak Djokovic has paid tribute to his old rival, Roger Federer, ahead of the legendary player bidding farewell to competitive tennis on Friday. Federer has been confirmed as partnering with another of his great rivals and friends, Rafael Nadal, in the doubles rubber on the opening night of the Laver Cup. Ad The 41-year-old is to bow out from the sport after the event at the O2 Arena in London and Friday's doubles match against Jack Sock and Frances Tiafoe of Team World will be his farewell match.

Laver Cup‘It’s not in my hands right now’ – Djokovic on whether he will play at Australian Open21 MINUTES AGO Asked if it felt like the end of an era with Federer retiring, Djokovic told Eurosport: «It does feel like it. It is a sad moment for tennis and sport, in general, to have to say goodbye to one of the greats. »The way he went about his business, on and off the court, has secured him a huge deal of popularity around the world.

He has deserved that because he has been so perfect, on and off the court — with his results and career, but also with his personality. «He has gathered a lot of sympathy with sports fans around the world and his greatness will live forever.» On the unique and special atmosphere generated between the rivals at the Laver Cup, Djokovic highlighted what made all the difference for the big names of men's tennis. «We had the best locker room moments, the funniest ones, at the Laver Cup.

Just the conversations that we normally don't have on the tour because we are rivals. We don't normally hang out together as we all have our teams and our families that we stick to, which is normal and logical,» he said. 'I gasped' — The story of Federer’s most important shot Best of enemies: Federer, Nadal and the