Picture Credit: Twitter/@LaverCup
Swiss tennis star Roger Federer ended his illustrious 24-year -long career at the 2022 Laver Cup where he teamed up with long-time rivals Rafael Nadal, Novak Djokovic, Andy Murray, etc. to form Team Europe. The tournament didn’t end in Roger Federer’s favour but he had some special news for the world.
The 20-time Grand Slam winner confirmed that he will be participating in the 2023 Laver Cup event which will be hosted in Canada. As Federer gave a speech after the final game, lauding Team World for their triumph, he then confirmed that he will be returning for next year’s tournament but in a different role.
"Congratulations to Team World, amazing comeback. It's been emotional at times but I had a great time. I can't thank you enough for that. I enjoyed every minute. I'm looking forward to next year. I'll be there too, supporting both teams from a different position", Federer quoted.
The 20-time Grand Slam winner then opened up about playing his final game alongside his biggest rivals like Nadal, Djokovic and Murray. He said, “Being on court on Friday and having such a huge moment in my career, being surrounded by my biggest rivals like Novak and Andy and Rafa was truly unique, and I can never thank them enough for being there and staying there and going through it with me. I hope that their farewell will also be unique and special, that it works for them because it was beautiful for me.”
Talking about Team World, they clinched their Laver Cup title as Frances Tiafoe saved four match points to beat Team Europe’s Stefanos Tsitsipas 1-6, 7-6(11), 10-8 and give his side a 13-8 victory. John McEnroe’s side entered the final day trailing four-time champions Team Europe 4-8. However, Team World won all three games on Sunday to lift the title.
Reacting to the win, McEnroe during the trophy ceremony said, “I don’t want to talk too much because I want the party to begin very soon. But I want to thank my players. They brought the energy, belief and intensity. I want to especially thank my brother Patrick, my righthand mind.”