Roger Federer confirms he will not team up with Rafa Nadal again after Laver Cup match

What's the story?

After teaming up with Rafael Nadal in the Laver Cup to defeat Sam Querrey and Jack Sock, Roger Federer admitted that this team-up was a one-off. He was more comfortable re-igniting their singles rivalry.

“I don't want to kill your expectations,” Federer said after the match, before adding, “It will not happen.”

In case you didn't know

In their first match as a team, Nadal and Federer took the first set 6-4, they dropped the second 1-6 but fought back in the match tiebreak to win 10-5.

The heart of the matter

Although Federer said that he wouldn't like to play doubles again, he justified his comments saying that it had been too long since he last played doubles. Nadal added that it was a privilege to have Roger next to him and something he wanted to make happen at some point and today was that special day.

Nadal admitted that it was surreal to play alongside the man who he leads in the ATP rankings. He said that the moment was unforgettable especially after the rivalry that they have in singles tennis.

Federer agreed that it was a great moment too. After that day they will be rivals again, but this match, this moment was something very special.

What's next?

American Sam Querrey was gracious in defeat and was full of praise for the duo. He said that the experience was fun and it was a close match because the pendulum could have swung either way. Nadal is currently facing John Isner and Federer will close out the tournament with his match against Nick Kyrgios.

Sportskeeda's take

I have to admit, the fanboy in me screamed when iI saw Federer and Nadal play alongside each other. It was like watching Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo teaming up with each other, if that will ever happen. It is like watching Sebastian Vettel and Michael Schumacher team up in the Race of Champions. The point is, it is a once in a blue moon opportunity to see two of the world's greatest players team up.