Nadal and Federer rule out full-time partnership

World
Europe

It was only their first time playing together but Rafael Nadal and Roger Federer still managed to take Team Europe to within two wins of lifting the Laver Cup on Saturday. However, even with this successful run, the two men ruled out the possibility of a full-time doubles partnership.

The new team tennis event, kicking off in Prague and moving to the United States next year, was the first chance for the world’s top two players to play competitively side by side.

The duo handed Team Europe, skippered by Bjorn Borg, a 9-3 lead over Team World, captained by John McEnroe, after two days of action in Prague.

After Nadal and Federer had won their singles rubbers, all eyes at Prague's sold-out O2 Arena were then on the two legends who played on the same side of the net for the first time in careers that have stretched the best part of two decades.

Rafael Nadal and Roger Federer of team Europe celebrate after winning the match at the Laver Cup, September 23, 2017. /Reuters Photo

They started the doubles against Sam Querrey and Jack Sock on a high, earning a break in the first set to win 6-4.

They visibly enjoyed the experience, with Federer laughing off a massive air shot halfway through the set.

However, they were in far more serious mood in the second set as both lost their serve, allowing the American pair to level with a 6-1 win.

Much to their relief, the world's top two players, with 35 Grand Slam singles titles between them, regained their composure in time to sweep their rivals 10/5 in a super tie-break.

But they both denied planning a future as a doubles pair, saying it was "not a good idea."

Despite losing, Querrey said it was "fun to be a part of it."

"It was a great match, everyone played well. It really could have gone either way."

Jack Sock and Sam Querrey of team World in action against Rafael Nadal and Roger Federer of team Europe at the Laver Cup, September 23, 2017. /Reuters Photo

On Sunday, three singles and one doubles will close the tournament, with the players earning three points for each win after two on Saturday and one on Friday.

On Friday, Marin Cilic beat Frances Tiafoe, Dominic Thiem overpowered John Isner and Alexander Zverev saw off Denis Shapovalov to hand Europe a 3-1 lead as Nadal and Berdych lost to Kyrgios and Sock in doubles.

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Source(s): AFP ,Reuters