By Tennis Now | Friday, February 8, 2019
Roger Federer hit balls with Hall of Famer Bjorn Borg today and detailed his excitement reuniting with rival Rafael Nadal at Laver Cup later this year.
Photo credit: @Laver Cup
Tennis royalty hit a historic palace promoting rivalry reunion today.
Roger Federer hit with Hall of Famer Bjorn Borg then met with adoring fans at a spirited homecoming at Geneva's Palais Eynard.
Djokovic's Dad: Novak Will Break Roger's Record
It was all part of a promotional appearance launching today's ticket sales for the 2019 Laver Cup set for September 20-22nd in Geneva.
The 20-time Grand Slam king said he's excited to reprise his partnership with king of clay Rafael Nadal for Team Europe, which is captained by Borg.
"I can't wait," Federer said today in Geneva. "We talked about it in Melbourne, we talked about how excited he (Nadal) was and me too that we're going to be on the same team again.
"We don't know the opponents' team quite yet, it's a good thing Rafa is going to be on my team, and it's on home soil for me in Switzerland, it's indoors, I like indoors."
The 37-year-old Swiss praised the pumped-up Spaniard for injected energy and enthusiasm into Team Europe, which has beaten Team World in both prior Laver Cup competitions.
"I know that Rafa’s going to be on Team Europe and it makes me more confident knowing he is going to be there," Federer said. "Rafael Nadal is a great guy, super professional, a great team player, a natural leader.
"He fits in the team super-nice and gives great energy and motivation."
The initial Fedal pairing at the 2017 Laver Cup in Prague gave us some electric exchanges.
And for the rivals, who have collaborated on some of the most epic encounters in Open Era history, it was a blast.
"First of all, it was unforgettable for both of us," Nadal said at the 2017 Laver Cup. "To be sharing the same side of the court fighting for the point is something we enjoy a lot."
Excitement runs high in Geneva for Federer's homecoming—upper and lower bowl tickets sold out today, Laver Cup organizers report—and the Roger and Rafa reunion.
"Laver Cup in America was different, Czech Republic was different," Federer said. "I know the Geneva crowd, and I know it’s going to be incredible and different again."