Federer, Nadal happy to play doubles; Borg to make decision

PRAGUE—With Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal at the Laver Cup team tennis tournament, expectations are running high about the chance of seeing the two as doubles partners.

The three-day competition at the O2 Arena in Prague starts Friday, pitting a team of the best six European players against the top six from the rest of the world. No ATP rankings points will be awarded.

Alexander Zverev, Marin Cilic, Dominic Thiem and Tomas Berdych are also on the European team to face Sam Querrey, John Isner, Nick Kyrgios, Jack Sock, Denis Shapovalov and Frances Tiafoe.

The tournament is to honor Rod Laver, an 11-time major champion who won two calendar-year Grand Slams. It will include three singles and one doubles match every day. Bjorn Bjorg captains Europe while John McEnroe does the same for the opponents.

Federer and Nadal were clear about their choice of a possible partner.

“I’ve played a lot against Rafa on so many occasions, in big matches,” Federer said at Prague’s picturesque Old Town Square. “I think in nine Grand Slam finals. Finally, to have him on my side it’s a joy. We talked about playing doubles a long, long time ago. It never happened. Of course, I would love to share the side of the net this time around. We have to see how practice goes and then at the end Bjorn will take the ultimate decision.”

Nadal concurred.

“Of course, I would love (to play with Federer),” Nadal said. “It will be amazing if that happens.”