Federer to bow out in style with Nadal by his side

LONDON: Some of the most iconic moments of Roger Federer’s glittering career featured Rafael Nadal across the net, but on Friday, his great Spanish rival will be alongside him for his final bow.

The 41-year-old Federer, winner of 20 Grand Slam titles and for many the greatest player to wield a tennis racket, is back in one of his favourite cities to bring down the curtain on a 24-year professional career that scaled staggering heights.

He will partner Nadal for a doubles match on the opening day of the Laver Cup at London’s O2 Arena – a three-day team event in which Europe takes on the Rest of the World.

Federer announced last week that the Laver Cup would be his final competitive event, having failed to overcome a nagging right knee issue that required multiple surgeries.

While that injury means he is unable to feature in a singles match here, he will conclude the opening day alongside men’s record 22-time Grand Slam champion Nadal as they face the American duo Jack Sock and Frances Tiafoe.

As farewells go, it simply could not be better. Federer played Nadal 40 times in one of the most compelling rivalries witnessed in tennis.