Laver Cup: Roger Federer is looking forward to Rafael Nadal
Geneva will host the third edition of the Laver Cup in September 2019. Local hero Roger Federer was a guest in his home country on Friday.
by Jens Huiber
last edit: Jul 24, 2019, 10:09 am
When Roger Federer and Tomas Berdych traveled to Prague for a promotional event for the first edition of the Laver Cup in 2017, the two players could hardly resist the onslaught of fans. Two years later in Geneva the same picture - but with Björn Borg instead of Berdych, who, on the other hand, has brought himself up to date for an invitation 2019 with his achievements of the past few weeks.
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Federer, as the mastermind behind the three-day event, will surely reflect on this. In any case, the Maestro expects a very big one in September: Rafael Nadal. "Knowing that Rafa will be part of the Europe team gives me great confidence that we will win again," said Roger Federer on Friday.
Rafael Nadal is a natural leader
Two years ago in Prague, Nadal was there right after his triumph at the US Open, and the Spaniard opted out early for the second edition in Chicago - actually, in order to compete with Spain in the Davis Cup semi-final in France. In fact, Nadal had to take a break of several months after his task against Juan Martin del Potro in New York City.
"Rafa is a great personality and, due to his professionalism, a spectacular team player," Federer praised his long-term rival. Nadal is a very natural leader who brings a lot of energy and motivation for everyone.
Roger Federer would also like to see a debutant: "On the other hand, I would like Stan Wawrinka to participate in his home country. But after his injury, I don't want to put pressure on him. It has to come from himself. If he doesn't play, then I understand that.
Federer initially started in Dubai
Until September, however, there are still a few months in the country that also want to be spent on the tennis courts. Roger Federer has other plans for this than in previous years: The start in Dubai is not surprising, and the 37-year-old Basel bidder has also recently made a presence in Indian Wells and Miami.
For the first time since 2015, Federer plans to compete in the French Open in Paris. In preparation for the second major of the year, an appearance at another clay court tournament is planned. Roger Federer also left open in Geneva what this could be.