Federer, Nadal happy to play doubles, Borg to decide

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.

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. We’ve talked about that years ago to play in some tournament together. It didn’t happen yet. We’re looking forward to playing here, hopefully. Let’s see if the captain allows us to play.”

Borg has yet to decide how to form pairs for doubles, but suggested “there’s a very good chance” for Federer and Nadal.