Nadal withdraws from Laver Cup after doubles with Federer


LONDON: Rafa Nadal has withdrawn from the rest of the Laver Cup for personal reasons after teaming up with friend and rival Roger Federer in a doubles match that drew the curtain on the Swiss great’s glittering tennis career.

Pictures and videos of Federer and Nadal – who shared one of the sport’s most thrilling rivalries – sitting in a chair and crying after they tied in a double-header defeat for Team Europe at London’s O2 Arena on Friday (September 23) went went viral on social media.

The Spaniard, who has won a men’s record 22 Grand Slam titles, later said that with Federer’s retirement, an important part of him also left the Tour.

“Rafael Nadal has retired for personal reasons. He will be replaced by Cameron Norrie,” tournament organizers said on Saturday.

Nadal is also expecting his first child soon with wife Mery Perello but has traveled to London to play alongside Federer in the Swiss maestro’s latest professional outing.

Federer was replaced in Team Europe by Italy’s Matteo Berrettini, who was 2-2 with Team World after the opening day’s games.

Novak Djokovic will return to action on Saturday for the first time since winning his 21st Major singles title at Wimbledon last month. He is scheduled to play against American Frances Tiafoe and then in doubles against Berrettini.