(AP) — Rafael Nadal said Monday he will play at the Laver Cup in Berlin in September in what may be one of the 22-time Grand Slam champion’s last tournaments.
“At this stage in my career I really want to go out there and make the most of every opportunity I am given. Teaming up is always an incredible experience and I have always enjoyed it, the competition is different and exciting. I’m looking forward to going to Berlin and helping Team Europe win back the Laver Cup,” Rafa said in a statement.
Berlin will be Rafa’s fourth Laver Cup appearance, having competed in Prague in 2017, Geneva in 2019 and then alongside close friend and long-time rival Roger Federer in doubles, for the last match of Federer’s career at The O2 in London in 2022.
“I am very happy to be playing Laver Cup in Berlin for Team Europe,” Rafa said. “I have some really special memories from my Laver Cup experiences, including all the emotions from London two years ago playing alongside Roger for the last time.”
The Laver Cup, to be held from Sept. 20-22, is an indoor hard-court men’s competition pitting Team Europe against Team World in a format similar to that of golf’s Ryder Cup.
Source: The Associated Press
I thought Rafa was playing today, 24th. I got all prepared to watch. Looks like it’s tomorrow.
Enjoy, Rafa. Laver is always fun for players🥰
Rafa would make a great captain at the Laver Cup. Move over Bjorn Borg. Time for a change!
It looks like Rafa plays the 16 year old American in Madrid on the 24th at 3 a.m. central time. That’s about 15 hours from now. Can anyone confirm that? Thanks.
Hi Abhishek. I don’t know. Rafa hasn’t slammed the door firmly shut on playing next year, as it all depends on how his body holds up and if he can make a deep run at any of the forthcoming tournaments. That is my hope anyway.
However, my feeling is that it will be his last Laver Cup tournament, so he’ll want to have fun there.
Hi Lorna. I saw Rafa’s press conference at Madrid Open today. He says he’s not losing hope and he still believes that things can change quickly in sports. That gives me hope!
Hope his body holds up 🙂
I live in hope too🤞🏼🤞🏼🤞🏼
Perhaps Rafa is planning a farewell there, like Roger Federer did. What do you guys think?
Enjoy it❤️
Hope to cheering for you in person Rafa.🤔
Will look forward to seeing you late in the year 😊