‘Never Thought I Was Going to..’ – Nostalgia Clouds Roger Federer as Emotional Rafael Nadal and Novak Djokovic Memory Overwhelms Him Ahead of Laver Cup

Since the Laver Cup became a part of the tennis circuit, Roger Federer has been an integral part of the tournament. But last year, things changed when the 41-year-old Swiss tennis legend announced his retirement after playing in the fifth edition of the tournament. To many of his fans’ disappointment, he will not be a part of the roster this year as a player. As the tournament inches closer, he recently got nostalgic over last year’s Laver Cup memories.

Last year’s tournament was something that will always be a part of the 20-time Grand Slam champion’s life. It was the year when he played his last match with his close friend Rafael Nadal and signed off as an athlete.

Roger Federer recalls last year’s Laver Cup memories

The former world number one is quite pumped up to be a part of the Laver Cup Vancouver 2023. As a co-founder, Federer sat down to talk about the tournament and recalled a memory with his other big three friends.

The Swiss ace was not quite sure about his participation in last year’s tournament because of his health struggles, something that stopped him from making a comeback throughout the whole year.

According to the official Laver Cup website, he said, “For me, it’s personally completely exceeded expectations. I never thought I was going to play in Geneva …[and] obviously also a little bit nostalgic for me to retire at The O2, where I did play a lot of my matches. Seeing the camaraderie, people from different countries coming together in a team, like me and Rafa or me and Novak, has been wonderful.”

Nevertheless, he also talked about how the tournament was like a dream that he carried for years and turned into a reality by bringing the best tennis players and former archrivals together.

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However, after having some of the biggest stars of the ATP circuit last year, this year the tournament might witness the beginning of a new era, with no Grand Slam taking to the court at Rogers Arena. But the co-founder is convinced that there will be quality tennis on display.

Roger Federer is pumped up for this year’s Laver Cup

While last year’s event featured Federer, Andy Murray, Novak Djokovic, and Rafael Nadal as part of Team Europe, this year, Team Europe doesn’t look the same. The 41-year-old Swiss tennis legend stated that this year, while Nadal is injured, the newly crowned 24-time Grand Slam champion has taken a break, leaving the tournament out of his competitive schedule.

But even after the withdrawals in the team, he is quite confident about having a great showdown in Vancouver. Subsequently, while Team World’s top-ranked tennis player, Taylor Fritz, is ready to perform under pressure, Federer’s Team Europe also boasts some amaziing names, including Casper Ruud, Andrey Rublev, and Hubert Hurkacz.

Are you excited about this year’s Laver Cup? Share your thoughts in the comment section below.

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