Federer looks forward to bond with Nadal
Roger Federer is as curious as tennis fans around the world to see if he will finally play against Rafael Nadal for the first time at the US Open.
But even if not, the two will have the chance to bond as teammates and possibly even doubles partners later this month in a new Europe versus The World team event. “Good for a change, yes, after all these years,” Federer said. “If I can help him, great. If he can help me, even better.”
The Swiss third seed, seeking a record sixth title on New York hardcourts, could meet world number one Nadal in a Friday semifinal at Arthur Ashe Stadium in the one Slam where they have never played.
“For many years Rafa and me, we’ve tried to play against each other here, and it just didn’t work out,” Federer said. “Now this week, I don’t feel necessarily the pressure’s there.
The long-time rivals will team up on September 22-24 for the Laver Cup in
Prague, a new three-day team event pitting Bjorn Borg’s European squad against a World lineup guided by John McEnroe.
Federer and Nadal will work together alongside Austria’s Dominic Thiem, Czech Tomas Berdych, Germany’s Alexander Zverev and Croatia’s Marin Cilic.
“Rafa, he has been such a wonderful champion and a good friend of mine on the tour, one of my big rivals for life, that it’s just nice to be able to spend some time with him and support him,” Federer said.