Exclusive: 'It is incredible' - Roger Federer partnering Rafael Nadal at Laver Cup 'epic' says John McEnroe

Updated 23/09/2022 at 09:55 GMT

For Team World captain John McEnroe, Friday night's huge match with Roger Federer featuring in his final competitive tennis action before retirement alongside his friend and rival Rafael Nadal could not be bigger. Although he may be rooting for his pair of Frances Tiafoe and Jack Sock, McEnroe is certainly aware of what a big occasion it will be with Federer playing in his final match.

Federer is the 'most beautiful player I have ever seen' – McEnroe

John McEnroe has not held back in hyping up what we are about to witness as Roger Federer prepares to bow out from tennis alongside his great rival Rafael Nadal at the Laver Cup.

Federer and Nadal will join forces for Team Europe in the hotly-anticipated doubles rubber on Friday night at the O2 Arena in London with the 41-year-old Swiss superstar set to retire from competitive tennis after the event.

McEnroe could not be more excited as he looks ahead to the big match-up, despite the fact that as Team World captain he will be hoping his pair of Frances Tiafoe and Jack Sock can overcome the legendary duo.

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Asked by Eurosport if he could put into context how big it will be with Federer being joined by Nadal for their doubles match, McEnroe responded: "I'm not sure I can!

"It is certainly epic with Roger announcing his retirement and then deciding to play with Rafa. It is incredible, but we have got a job to do.

"I think either way it is a win for tennis so that means it is okay for us to win the doubles, but it is going to be an electric night.

"Andy is playing, so I am sure a lot of people did not anticipate that as well. So there is going to be a lot of energy!"

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Asked what would make up the perfect player if he could take elements from each of the 'Big Four' and their respective games, McEnroe said: "Oh my gosh, that is a tough one!

"I mean, Roger is the most beautiful player I have ever seen, and Rafa is the greatest effort player that I have ever seen. Novak is like a human backboard.

"Andy was amazing. It is tough to match up, but he brought something people did not anticipate when he broke the streak and won Wimbledon.

"So he has got a lot to be proud of. It is hard when you are compared with those three, but he is also a legendary hall-of-famer."

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Stream the 2022 Laver Cup exclusively live on discovery+ and eurosport.co.uk

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