Roger Federer to only play Friday doubles at the Laver Cup, reveals 'absolute dream' partner for farewell

ByEurosport

Updated 20/09/2022 at 21:47 GMT

Roger Federer will make his final appearance at the Laver Cup. He says he will only play a doubles match on Friday evening and has revealed who he would like to play alongside in his last match. On September 15, the 20-time Grand Slam winner shocked the tennis world when he announced he would no longer play competitive matches after this year's Laver Cup at the O2 Arena in London.

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Roger Federer plans to play in the evening doubles match at the Laver Cup on Friday in what he says will be his final match as a professional tennis player.

The 20-time Grand Slam winner revealed last week that he would retire from tennis after this year's Laver Cup which has seen tributes pour in from the world of sport and beyond.

Ahead of his Laver Cup press conference on Wednesday morning - which will available to stream on the Eurosport website and app - the 41-year-old says he will only play in the doubles for Team Europe on Friday in his farewell tournament.

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"Tony (Godsick) [Federer's agent] almost went crazy because I took so much time," Federer told Swiss media.

"Since it's out, I'm better. Writing the letter took a lot of energy. It was very moving, especially for my parents and [Federer's wife] Mirka.

"In the meantime I can talk about the resignation easily, I didn't expect that.

"A few days after Wimbledon, in July. The knee just wasn't progressing anymore. I asked myself: what's the point? We had been on thin ice for a long time. I know it's the right decision, the only good decision.

"I am quite surprised how well I am playing in practice here. But it was already clear beforehand that I would only play doubles, probably on Friday evening. That's why playing the Swiss Indoors in Basel was no longer an option.

"It was tough, the whole comeback was extremely difficult. I was so far from 100 percent. Reaching the quarter-finals at Wimbledon was unbelievable for me. The last set against [Hurbert] Hurkacz was one of the worst hours of my career."

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The 41-year-old added, as reported by Swiss Radio and Television (SRF), that his "absolute dream" would be to team up with his long time friend and great tennis rival Rafael Nadal in the doubles.

"Maybe I can play doubles with Rafa, that would be an absolute dream," said Federer.