Roger Federer was in a bit of a panic. He knew just how high the stakes were for his Sunday afternoon match against Nick Kyrgio as he took the court at Prague’s O2 Arena in September 2017.
Not only was Federer the founder of the Laver Cup Team Competition, which featured many footy debuts that year, but his long-time manager Tony Godsick likely helped design the rules. Between teams from Europe and teams representing the rest of the world. Federer got what he wanted, but now he had to deliver.
“If I lost against Kyrgios – if it had been a match point, it would have come down to a one-set super tiebreaker in doubles for the entire Laver Cup and it was Rafa (Nadal) and Kyrgios and me against Kyrgios. (Jack) socks,” Federer said by phone last week. “It would be crazy. I was so happy to beat Kyrgios. I didn’t have to go through that.”
Federer spoke last week as he prepared to travel to Berlin for this year’s Laver Cup. Earlier that day he played tennis for 30 minutes, a luxury he has these days but still described as “so much fun.” His voice rose with passion as he reminisced about his favorite Laver Cup Memories.
“The first year was definitely a highlight,” said Federer, who has won 20 major singles titles, including eight at Wimbledon and five at the US Open. “Of course, there were high expectations walking up to play doubles with Rafa, something that had never happened before. “It was magic.”
It was a moment after Federer and Nadal finished their 2022 double loss to Frances Tiafoe in London. as he was saluted by the crowd and his fellow players. Federer and Nadal were sitting on a courtroom bench, clasping each other’s hands and basking.
Nadal said he was “very emotional” as he answered questions from his home in Mallorca, Spain, shortly before the start of the US Open this August. “I couldn’t forget it. Roger has been a very important person in my professional life and, without a doubt, my best rival and at the same time a good colleague on tour. We created a beautiful relationship. “The emotions were so strong to have the opportunity to say goodbye to one of the biggest and most important legends in our sport at this great moment.”
There have been other stomach-churning Laver Cup moments, with Team Europe winning the first four years and Team World the final two years. Alexander Zverev won the title for Team Europe three times.
“It’s obviously special when it’s a decisive game,” Zverev said in an interview last month. “If you win, you win, if you lose, you lose, but it’s easier when everyone supports you.”
Federer is keenly aware of the importance of the spectator experience at the Laver Cup, as he is no longer competing but participating in the business end.
“I was at Wimbledon now as a fan and as a fan I want the Laver Cup fans at the US Open to have a great experience,” he said. “I think the standard of play is too high. I just want to see the great camaraderie, the incredible pictures and videos.”
After two years removed from competition, Federer no longer considers himself a tennis player. But as a tennis fan?
“Honestly, I think I’ve always been a fan of the game.” “I love watching tennis. I still follow the results every day. I try to see as much as my schedule allows. I’m also glad I tore off the band-aid quickly and didn’t stay home too long and went to the tournament. Because you can see how retired players get used to being at home.
“For me, it’s important to get back on the road and go to tennis tournaments and feel comfortable as a fan in a stadium environment, not just at home on your sofa.”
