Rafael Nadal and Roger Federer need no introduction to tennis fans and sports enthusiasts worldwide. These superb athletes have dominated tennis throughout their careers, setting some amazing records along the way.
Nadal and Federer were the first of six players to confirm their participation in the 2017 Lava Cup edition for Team Europe. Both superstars were instrumental in guiding Team Europe to a superb win, with help from Dominic Thiem, Alexander Zverev, Marin ?ili?, and Tomáš Berdych. The 2022 Laver Cup will be organised at The O2 Arena in London from September 23-25, 2022. These legends are both available to participate in the cup, so the question on everyone’s mind is, “Could Roger Federer and Rafa Nadal Team Up In 2022?”
Roger Federer
Roger Federer is a Swiss professional tennis player and the best tennis player of all time for many fans of the game. Federer has occupied the number one spot in ATP rankings for a total of 310 weeks. He has also occupied this spot for 237 consecutive weeks and ended the year as the highest-rated player five times. Furthermore, Roger Feder has eight Wimbledon titles and 20 Grand Slam men’s singles titles. He has dominated the world of men’s tennis in the modern era, alongside Nadal and Novak Djokovic. Many tennis fans refer to the trio as the Big Three and widely consider them the three greatest tennis players ever.
Federer, now aged 40, could not recover from his injury early enough to participate in the Australian Open. He has not played since losing in last summer’s Wimbledon quarter finals matchup against Hubert Hurkacz. Additionally, Roger underwent another knee operation in August. He recently said that a definite return to tennis would have to wait till April or May before being confirmed but is adamant that he wants to get back to the court despite his age.
Rafael Nadal
Rafael Nadal is a Spanish professional tennis player and arguably the most recognizable face in the business. He has been ranked No.1 by ATP for 209 weeks and, like Federer, has finished as the year-end number one 5 times. Nadal has picked up 21 Grand Slam men’s singles titles throughout his career, the most in history. He also has a record of 13 French open titles. Additionally, Nadal holds the record of the longest single-surface win streak in the Open Era, with 81 consecutive wins on clay. He is the Big Three’s only left-handed member and is noted for his incredible forehand.
The 35-year-old Spaniard recently stunned many fans worldwide with an epic Australian Open final win. Nadal came back from two sets down to defeat World Number 2, Daniil Medvedev. As such, he became the first man to win 21 Grand slam titles, ahead of key rivals Roger Federer and Novak Djokovic. Rafa also became the second male tennis player in the Open Era to complete the double career Grand Slam. Nadal’s Australian Open win is even more impressive, given that he only recently returned from a six-month injury layoff which saw him miss the US Open, Wimbledon, and the Olympics. Federer was one of the first athletes to congratulate his great friend and rival, revealing that he will be heading to London to play alongside him for the Laver Cup.
Teaming Up For The Laver Cup
The Swiss superstar has confirmed his decision to partake in the Laver Cup this September in London, along with long-time friend and rival Nadal. Rafa Nadal has taken part in the Laver cup twice, pairing up with Federer for their first and only doubles match at the first-ever Laver Cup in Prague in 2017. Tennis fans enjoyed the true treat of watching the rivals cum teammates blow away Americans Jack Sock and Sam Querrey in three sets. Both players are currently in the twilight of their careers, so fans are understandably excited for a chance to see them on the same side of the court. This excitement is even more intense, considering it will likely be the last time such an opportunity presents itself. Many punters will also relish the rare opportunity to stake tennis bets backing the pair to triumph in their doubles match.
Federer revealed that he was looking forward to returning to the court this year, and the Laver Cup is key to his return plan. According to him, the event is one he loves, and he is quite excited to be returning to the O2 Arena and London, one of the world’s greatest cities. Roger says Nadal is an incredible person who inspires him and several others worldwide. Federer also revealed that Nadal messaged him on social media after last year’s Laver Cup in Boston, suggesting the pair team up in London, an idea he was definitely up for.
Similarly, Nadal revealed that he suggested the idea of playing doubles together at this year’s Laver Cup to Federer. He remains delighted about Federer’s willingness to partner him in London and says that all that is left is the consent of Team Europe’s captain, Bjorn Borg. Furthermore, he mentions Roger as a significant part of his career, both as a true friend and a great rival. Finally, Nadal says being part of Team Europe is excellent, and the chance to share the court with Federer one last time would be a special experience for both players at this stage in their careers.
