Federer bids emotional farewell to tennis at Laver Cup

Switzerland’s Roger Federer acknowledges the applause as he walks onto court ahead of the evening’s matches in the 2022 Laver Cup at the O2 Arena in London on September 23, 2022. – Roger Federer brings the curtain down on his spectacular career in a “super special” match alongside long-time rival Rafael Nadal at the Laver Cup in London on Friday. (Photo by Glyn KIRK / AFP)

Roger Federer will bring the curtain down on his spectacular career in a “super special” match alongside long-time rival Rafael Nadal at the Laver Cup in London on Friday.

The 20-time Grand Slam champion, dogged by a knee injury, has not played since the 2021 Wimbledon quarter-finals and last week announced his retirement at the age of 41.

But he will appear for one final time for Team Europe at the Laver Cup, linking up with Nadal in a dream doubles pairing against Team World’s Frances Tiafoe and Jack Sock at the O2 arena.

The Swiss great has enjoyed a storied rivalry with the Spaniard over nearly two decades and together they have won 42 Grand Slam singles titles in a golden era for the men’s game.

The pair played 40 times, including in nine Grand Slam finals, with Nadal holding a 24-16 winning record, but this time they will be on the same side of the net in the Ryder Cup-style event.

The six-strong Team Europe also includes Novak Djokovic and Andy Murray — the other two members of the so-called “Big Four” — in a fitting climax to Federer’s career.

Italy’s Matteo Berrettini will take the Swiss veteran’s place over the weekend as an alternate.

Europe has won all four previous editions of the event and took a 2-0 lead after the opening session in London.

World number two Casper Rudd of Norway needed a match tie-break to beat America’s Sock 6-4, 5-7, 10-7. –