Rafael Nadal doesn’t expect American pair to lay down for final Roger Federer match

Rafael Nadal and Roger Federer share a joke

James Richardson
September 22, 2022

Rafael Nadal anticipates a tough match when he and Roger Federer take on Jack Sock and Frances Tiafoe in the Laver Cup.

Tiafoe owns a recent singles victory over Nadal after ousting the Spaniard from the US Open but the match marks a farewell to competitive tennis for Federer.

Nadal said that he hoped he could help deliver victory for team Europe and give his rival and great friend an appropriate send-off.

“Well, it will be a difficult match to handle, honestly,” Nadal told Eurosport.

“Let us see how the thing evolves, but I just hope to help in a small way to help make his last match even more special.

“I think it is going to be unforgettable, and I am just proud and happy to be next to him on this very special moment.”

Nadal said that it would be a sad day for tennis as they prepare to say goodbye to Roger Federer.

“We have always had a very easy and positive relationship since the beginning,” Nadal said.

“I don’t know, but since the beginning, I think the feelings have been positive. They have even grown in a better way over the years.

“In some way, when you have a rivalry like we have had, we have played exhibitions for our foundations, we have shared important moments in the history of this sport.

“On court and off court we were together, on the council for a long time. So we were able to build this relationship in a very positive way.
“He has been a very positive example for everyone, and for me personally, without a doubt.

“It is a very sad moment, but that is how it is. That is life, and the only thing I wish him is the best. The best of the best with every single thing that he will do.

“He deserves it: healthy, family, success. Everything.”

Sock will be in action twice on the opening day of the Laver Cup as he first faces Casper Ruud in the competition opener.

Team Europe’s Stefanos Tsitsipas faces Diego Schwartzman in the second match of the afternoon session while the evening session will be opened up by Andy Murray facing Aussie speed demon Alex de Minaur.

Nadal and Federer will close off the evening session on day one of the Laver Cup in a match billed as the last the 20-time Grand Slam-winning Swiss will compete in.

Rafael Nadal Roger Federer