Roger Federer has admitted he wants to team up with career rival Rafael Nadal at the inaugural Rod Laver Cup on September 22-24 in Prague.
Federer expressed strong interest of pairing up with Nadal, when the Swiss Maestro and King of Clay plays at the Laver Cup seven months from now. The 18-time Grand Slam winner, coming off a masterful win at the Australian Open, confessed their special rivalry has made him want to join forces with Nadal.
"I've always wanted to play with Rafa... just because our rivalry has been so special," Federer said, reports the First Post. "I've seen his wicked forehand go past me too often!"
The Laver Cup, which will be held every year except in an Olympic season, consists of a Bjorn Borg-captained European team and John McEnroe's rest of the world. Each team would comprise of six players, four of which are based on the ATP singles rankings after Wimbledon, and the other two will be picked by captains Borg and McEnroe.
Federer is set to suit up for the European team, along with Nadal, although the teams won't be named until after the U.S. Open. However, it is still uncertain whether all players who will formally qualify via the rankings are available for the exhibition event.
With Andy Murray and Novak Djokovic possibly included in the European team, they are the team to beat at the said event. But while Federer acknowledges that the European team could be the big favorites, the Basel native believes the competition could still be stiff.
"I think Team Europe are going to be big favourites but because of the setup of the Laver Cup I think the margins are always going to be very slim," Federer said.
After conquering Melbourne in an epic five-set final match against Nadal, Federer will next compete at the Dubai Tennis Championships in UAE at the Aviation Club Tennis Centre against the likes of Andy Murray and Stan Wawrinka.