Federer finale is Brit special
ANDY MURRAY says Roger Federer teaming up with Rafa Nadal at the sold out O2 tonight is “a really cool way to end an incredible career”.
And the Brit added that Federer’s farewell has made him reflect on how he will eventually say goodbye to the sport.
Murray, 35, will be the warm-up act on the Greenwich Peninsula as he plays Alex de Minaur in the opening singles match of the evening session.
But the night – and this whole Laver Cup between Team Europe and Team World – is really about the Swiss superstar bowing out of tennis at the age of 41. The pair will face Americans Jack Sock and Frances Tiafoe.
And Murray (right) said: “As you get older, you do think about when should you stop and when is the right moment and how would you like it to be. He seems to get a lot of things right.
“It feels right, seeing him and Rafa on the same side of the net together and finishing their careers as a team. It is going to be a really cool way to end an incredible career.
“I have thought about it myself, but I don’t think there’s many better ways to go out than like this. That is something we can all learn from as well.”
Federer, who announced his retirement after three right knee operations, said: “It feels good that I go first from the guys. It just feels right.
“I am super excited to have them on our team and my team and not having to play against them in my last match.
“Of course, it’s super special playing with Rafa. I’m sure it’s going to be wonderful.”
Nadal was the last player to arrive in London with his wife Xisca pregnant back home – and British No.1 Cam Norrie is on standby to replace him over the weekend.
The three-day Laver Cup was started in 2017 as tennis’ version of the Ryder Cup but Team Europe have won all four events easily.
Novak Djokovic is hoping for “positive news soon” about his return to Australia next year after insisting he has no regrets about missing the US Open.
The Wimbledon champion is returning to action this week after missing the North American hard-court season because he refuses to get vaccinated.
Reports Down Under earlier this month claimed the new Australian government is ready to allow Djokovic back in 2023 if he applies to return.
Speaking at the O2, the world No.7 said: “I’m waiting for the news. It’s really not in my hands. I’m hoping I can get some positive news.”