Swiss Roger Federer will play the last game of his career on Friday with Spaniard Rafael Nadal, not as an opponent but as a partner in a doubles match, during the first day of the Laver Cup, the organization announced on Thursday.
The two great rivals of the last fifteen years will be side by side to represent the Europe team, against a pair of Americans made up by Jack Sock and Frances Tiafoewho will represent the World team.
The 41-year-old Swiss and winner of 20 Grand Slam titles will play his last match in London at the O2 Arena tonight before ending to one of the most prestigious racesnot only tennis but sports.
Federer and Nadal have met 40 times, (24 wins to 16 for the Spaniard), with some legendary duels that built the most passionate rivalry in the history of tennis.
But Federer, with an injury to his right knee that has become irrecoverable, announced last week that he would hang up his racket after the Laver Cup, an exhibition initiative of the Swiss himself and that he faces a team made up of European tennis players, captained by Björn Borg , and a world team, with John McEnroe as captain.
"I prepare for one last doubles", announced on Wednesday, when his partner was not yet official.
"Obviously I’m nervous after not playing for so long, I hope to be competitive."Federer acknowledged, after a year and a half away from the courts trying to recover from his knee.