Prague: Tennis greats Rafael Nadal and Roger Federer took Team Europe to within two wins of lifting the Laver Cup after they played doubles together for the first time, but ruled out a full-time partnership on the tour.
The world’s highest ranking duo handed Team Europe, skippered by Bjorn Borg, a 9-3 lead over Team World, captained by John McEnroe, after two days of action here.
After Nadal and Federer had won their singles rubbers, all eyes at Prague’s sold-out O2 Arena were then on the two legends who played on the same side of the net for the first time in careers which have stretched the best part of two decades.
But they both denied planning a future as a doubles pair, saying it was not a good idea. “I don’t want to kill your expectations,” Federer told Nadal.
Nadal, 31, said he will remember the night he teamed up with his old rival and close friend for the first time. “It was unforgettable for both of us after the history we have behind us as rivals. Something we really enjoyed a lot,” said the Spanish star.
“For me personally it was a great moment too. After this we’ll be rivals again, thanks God or unfortunately, but… this was something very special. This is a memory for the rest of the lifetime,” stated Federer.
agence france-presse
