Lagatar24 desk
New Delhi, Sept 24: Rafael Nadal has withdrawn himself from the ongoing Laver Cup after playing with Roger Federer in the doubles event.
Notably, Nadal teamed up with Federer in the latter’s last competitive match. The Swiss maestro Federer announced his retirement plans last week, saying he would bring curtains down on his career at the O2 Arena in London.
Although the duo, fondly known as ‘Fedal’, lost the match to Team World’s Jack Sock and Frances Tiafoe, the event was much bigger than the final result.
Moreover, Federer and Nadal have had the most compelling rivalries in Tennis as they faced each other 40 times. Despite their rivalry, Federer chose Nadal as his partner in his final competitive match.
“For me, (it) has been huge honour to be a part of this amazing moment of the history of our sport, and at the same time a lot of years sharing a lot of things together,” Nadal stated post the match by payng tribute to his longtime on-court rival Federer.
“When Roger leaves the tour, yeah, an important part of my life is leaving too because all the moments he has been next or in front me in important moments of my life. So has been emotional (to) see the family, see all the people. Yeah, difficult to describe. But, yeah, amazing moment,” he further added.
Notably, Nadal will be replaced by British star Cameron Norrie who will play Team World’s Taylor Fritz in the singles match on Day 2 of the Laver Cup.