“I’m working for the Australian Open”, he told reporters. He was promised a demonstration of Arthur Ashe Stadium’s new retractable roof before he leaves NY on Thursday. It was hard to watch the Olympics. “I want to be super strong when I come back”.
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Tennis stars Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal are set to join hands as doubles partners for the Laver Cup to be played next year. But for the first time since 1999, hes not preparing for the U.S. Open.
When a launch brings together the likes of Roger Federer, Rafael Nadal, John McEnroe and Bjorn Borg at 9am to one room, in one luxury hotel in the heart of Manhattan, the subject must be quite a big one.
But just like Federer and Nadal, their rivalry has not got in the way of mutual respect. Federer, who dropped out of this year’s Olympics and U.S. Open following knee surgery, is ranked fourth in the world. The Spaniard made the semifinals but lost to Juan Martin Del Potro and lost the bronze medal match against Kei Nishikori.
“It’s going to be very special to be on the team with Roger. It’s going to be a good thing”.
Reflecting on his own Olympic experiences, Federer smiled.
So the Swiss great announced in late July that hed miss the rest of the season, by far the longest layoff of a remarkably healthy career. He also won a gold in doubles in 2008 with Stan Wawrinka. McEnroe acknowledged that for now at least, his World squad would be the heavy underdog, though a lot can happen in just over a year.
“So when I head back into the gym for full on fitness in the next couple of months, then I’m ready for it”.
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“But I have been very impressed by Andy, what he has done this summer has been incredible”.
Nadal and Federer are on the tail end of their respective careers, but it would be hard for tennis to find a better duo to build the inaugural Laver Cup around.
Europe and The World will each feature six players on their rosters. Although Nadal and Federer have already committed to play, the other four players of their team and team “The World” will qualify by ranking following Wimbledon each year.
While it’s seen as a friendly atmosphere, prize money will be attached to results.
“You know to be a captain of maybe the two greatest players in the history of tennis here, I think they know what to do or not to do.”
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“Why not?” said Federer.
