Roger Federer Farewell Headlines Start Of Laver Cup Friday

The Laver Cup opens Friday in London with all eyes of the sporting world on Roger Federer’s final match at approximately 9pm local time.

Federer will end his career tonight in doubles with Rafael Nadal as his Team Europe takes on Team World and the duo of Jack Sock and Frances Tiafoe.

“I’m not sure if I can handle it all,” Federer said. “I’ll try. I have had some tougher moments as well in the past, being horribly nervous, all these years sometimes before matches. This one definitely feels a whole lot different.

“Of course, it’s super special playing with Rafa.”

Federer last played any professional match at Wimbledon last summer losing to Hubert Hurkacz. Now he’ll be with Rafa.

“Tomorrow gonna be a special thing,” Nadal said. “I think very difficult, difficult one. Gonna be difficult to handle everything, especially for Roger, without a doubt. For me, too.

“At the end, one of the most important players, if not the most important player in my tennis career, is leaving. At the end, live this moment will be difficult. Of course I am super excited and grateful to play with him.”

Andy Murray, who is almost always the headliner in Great Britain, will play opening act in the 7pm match in singles against Alex De Minaur.

“Maybe it doesn’t feel the same way for Roger, but I think it feels right, seeing him and Rafa on the same side of the net together and finishing their careers as a team in this event with Bjorn on the side of the court, John McEnroe there, Rod Laver in the stands,” said Andy Murray.

The Cup begins at 1pm in London with US Open finalist Casper Ruud facing Jack Sock. And then Stefanos Tsitsipas taking on Diego Schwartzman.

LAVER CUP FRIDAY SCHEDULE
O2 Arena Starts At 1:00 PM
Casper Ruud vs Jack Sock
Stefanos Tsitsipas vs Diego Schwartzman

Not Before 7:00 PM
Andy Murray vs Alex de Minaur
Roger Federer/Rafael Nadal vs Jack Sock/Frances Tiafoe