Federer, Nadal, Djokovic, Murray: Tennis’ Big Four assemble at Laver Cup 2022

Roger Federer on Friday will compete in the Laver Cup doubles alongside long-term rival Rafael Nadal.

The pair will represent Team Europe against Team World’s Jack Sock and Frances Tiafoe at London’s O2 Arena.

Also read: History repeats at Laver Cup: What happened when Roger-Rafael played doubles in 2017

Over nearly two decades, the Swiss great has had a storied rivalry with the Spaniard, winning 42 Grand Slam singles titles together during a golden era for the men’s game.

Team Europe consists of six players, including Novak Djokovic and Andy Murray, the other two members of the so-called Big Four.

“I’m super excited to have them on our team… and not having to play against them on my last match,” Roger Federer said ahead of the beginning of the event.

Also read: Roger Federer, Rafael Nadal team up in doubles at Laver Cup 2022

The 41-year-old Swiss stated that it would be “wonderful” to come back and play the 36-year-old Spaniard Nadal.

“I’m not sure if I can handle it all but I’ll try,” Federer claimed. “This one feels a whole lot different. I’m happy to have him on my team and not playing against him.”

Rafael Nadal said, “Hopefully together we can create a good moment and maybe win a match.”

“One of the most important, if not the most important player in my tennis career is leaving,” Nadal added. “At the end, this moment will be difficult. I’m super-excited and grateful to play with him.”

Also read: Roger Federer vs Rafael Nadal: A rivalry for the ages

Novak Djokovic, who was forced to sit out of the 2022 US Open because of his COVID vaccination status, expressed his excitement for the tournament.

“I had the honour to play… in Chicago and still have these memorable moments,” Djokovic said.

British tennis star Andy Murray, who will be debuting for Team Europe, said, “To get the opportunity to do it here in London is going to be great.”

Murray also shared a candid moment of the Big Four on the court after practice on Twitter.

Federer, whose latest competitive game was a quarterfinal loss to Hubert Hurkacz at the 2021 Wimbledon, has been dealing with a knee injury and will not compete in singles at the Ryder Cup-style event in London.

Federer’s place will be taken over the weekend by Italian Matteo Berrettini.