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A hero welcome! Roger Federer gets a standing ovation from the O2 Arena crowd as he prepares for his farewell doubles match with Rafael Nadal at the Laver Cup… while the Swiss legend relaxes with Bjorn Borg, Stefanos Tsitsipas and Matteo Berrettini
- Roger Federer received a standing ovation from the crowd at the O2 Arena
- The Swiss legend will play the last game of his career on Friday evening
- He takes on Jack Sock and Frances Tiafoe in a doubles match with Rafael Nadal
- Federer cut a composed figure as he spoke to Team Europe backstage
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Roger Federer received a standing ovation from the crowd at the 02 Arena for his farewell doubles match at the Laver Cup on Friday night.
The Swiss tennis legend announced earlier this month that the London tournament would be the last game of his career, having struggled with a string of injuries in recent years.
And when he made his way to the field on Friday, where he will team up with Spaniard Rafael Nadal, he received a chorus and applause from the fans in the audience.
For the last game of his 24-year career, Federer will play alongside his regular competitor for Team Europe against American duo Jack Sock and Francis Tiafoe.
The 41-year-old looked relaxed backstage as he spoke to team captain Bjorn Borg and team-mates Stefanos Tsitsipas and Matteo Berrettini before taking to the field.
Federer had previously spoken of his desire to play alongside Nadal, before Team Europe captain Borg granted the tennis legend his wish.
Roger Federer received a standing ovation from the crowd at the O2 Arena on Friday afternoon
Earlier this month, Federer announced his plans to retire after this month’s Laver Cup
The Swiss star won 20 Grand Slam championships during his impressive tennis career
Federer looked calm as he chatted with his Team Europe teammates on Friday
The Swiss legend was in deep conversation with Team Europe captain Bjorn Borg
The duo went to court on Thursday to practice in front of fans and media, and the pair showed up in high spirits for their highly anticipated match.
The 20-time Grand Slam champion – who is third in the all-time men’s league – is bowing to court as one of the greatest ever, claiming a staggering total of 103 singles titles on the ATP Tour.
The Laver Cup, which Federer helped set up in 2017, pits Team Europe against Team World in the tennis version of the Ryder Cup of golf, with nine singles and three doubles matches taking place at London’s O2 Arena.
Federer to team up with long-term competitor Rafael Nadal for his farewell doubles