Roger Federer to Play in Laver Cup Doubles for Final Match

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Roger Federer to Play in Laver Cup Doubles for Final Match
© USA Today

Roger Federer’s final tennis match will come with one of his greatest rivals at his side. Federer announced the last professional tennis match of his career will be a doubles outing alongside Rafael Nadal Friday at the Laver Cup in London.  

The team of Federer and Nadal will take on the American duo of Frances Tiafoe and Jack Sock. Following the match, Federer will be replaced on Team World by Italy’s Matteo Berrettini.  

“I am not sure if I will be able to handle it all, but I will try,” Federer said during a press conference. “I’ve had some tough moments in the past, being horribly nervous. All these years. This match feels a whole lot different. Playing with Rafa feels really different. 

“It’s super special playing with Rafa. To be able to do that one more time, I’m sure it’s going to be wonderful.” 

Roger Federer is Third for Grand Slam Titles

Federer will finish with the third-most Grand Slam titles with 20, trailing only Nadal (22) and Novak Djokovic (21). Despite a lengthy career battling Nadal for titles, the two have maintained a friendly relationship throughout their rivalry.  

For as long as we battled together, having had always this respect for one another, our families, coaching teams, for us as well to go through a career we both have had, come out the other side and have a nice relationship, is maybe a great message to tennis and beyond," Federer said. 

Nadal and Federer faced off 40 times in their careers with Nadal winning 16. Nadal also has the edge in the 14 Grand Slam matchups, winning 10 and going 6-3 in the finals. The two greats have previously competed in doubles together, beating Sock and Sam Querrey in the first Laver Cup in 2017.  

"Tomorrow is going to be a special thing. Difficult,” Nadal said. “Going to be difficult to handle everything, especially for Roger, without a doubt, but for me too. At the end, one of the most important players, if not the most important player, in my tennis career is leaving. 

"To be part of this historic moment is going to be something amazing, unforgettable." 

Roger Federer, Rafael Nadal Odds to Win

Bet365 has already posted odds for Federer’s final match. 

Federer and Nadal are currently –110 on the moneyline, same as Sock and Tiafoe, making the contest a pick ‘em.  

Federer and Nadal are +200 to win the match in straight sets and are also –120 to win the first set.