By Chris Oddo | @TheFanChild | Thursday February 3, 2022
Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal have both committed to playing Laver Cup in London this September, and the dynamic duo appears to be up for a doubles reunion as well.
First off, the news that Federer is planning to play again is extremely positive. The Swiss says he is excited to resume his career, even if he isn't 100 percent sure of when, in 2022. He will turn 41 just prior to this year’s US Open.
“I’m really looking forward to getting back into competition later this year and Laver Cup is very much part of my plan,” Federer said. “It’s no secret that I love the event and I’m super excited to be returning to The O2 and to London, one of the greatest cities in the world."
The Swiss, in an interview with Credit Suisse this week, said that he hasn't been able to ramp up his training yet due to his surgically repaired knee. Last year at Laver Cup he attended the event in Boston on crutches. This year Federer says he will know more about his condition when he starts to push himself this spring.
"I have very interesting and important few months ahead of me," Federer told Credit Suisse. "I feel like I will know a whole lot more this coming April where my body is going to be like. Up until now I wasn't really allowed to run yet, do the heavy workload with jumps and stop-and-go's. So, I hope that's all going to start, hopefully in a couple of weeks, and then we will see how the body will react to that."
Federer, who praised Nadal for winning his 21st major title on Sunday night, says he is inspired by Nadal and game for playing doubles with the King of Clay.
“Rafa is an incredible person and an inspiration to me and countless others around the world,” he said. “He messaged me on social media after the Laver Cup in Boston last year suggesting we play doubles in London and I am definitely up for a Laver Cup ‘Fedal’ comeback!”
Nadal: Roger Has Been a Huge Part of My Career
“I suggested to Roger we should play doubles together in London and he seems keen, so now we just need to persuade our captain Bjorn!” Nadal said. “Roger has been a huge part of my career, a big rival and also a true friend. To be part of Team Europe together is great and if we’re able to possibly share the court one more time as a doubles pairing then this would be a truly special experience for us both at this stage in our careers.”
The fifth edition of the Laver Cup will be held at The O2 in London from September 23-25, 2022.”