The fifth edition of the Laver Cup held in September 2022 was iconic for several reasons. The fifth time proved to be the charm for Team World as they lifted the trophy for the first time. The end scoreline at London’s O2 Arena was a resounding 13-8 in their favor. It also finally gave John McEnroe the bragging rights over long-time rival Björn Borg.
However, the most talked-about moment of the tournament came when Swiss maestro Roger Federer and Spanish ace Rafael Nadal sat and were captured shedding tears together. This was a heartwarming and heartbreaking instance at the same time. Seeing the two legends share an emotional gesture was a difficult time for fans around the world. No matter whose side you took in the “Fedal” rivalry, this incident was a real tear-jerker for both sets of supporters.
But why were the two superstars of world tennis crying in the first place? What caused such emotions to surface? Let us get to know more.
When Federer and Nadal shed tears together
The time when Federer and Nadal cried at the Laver Cup in 2022 came right after Roger Federer had completed his last-ever professional tennis match. At the post-match ceremony to celebrate his illustrious career, Federer thanked his family for their support throughout his career. He was already fighting to not cry at this point. A week before the 2022 edition started, the Swiss had announced his retirement from playing on the tour. In a sportingly poetic manner, it was decided that his final match would be a doubles tie alongside long-term friend and colleague Rafael Nadal.
The pair went up against the American duo Jack Sock and Frances Tiafoe. The match was a classic affair but in the end, Sock and Tiafoe denied Nadal and Federer the fairytale win everyone was hoping for. The scoreline read 6–4, 6–7, 9–11 in the Americans’ favor after a thrilling super tiebreaker in the third set. The shock was also partly due to the manner in which Federer and Nadal lost since they were a set up in the contest.
Although Federer had finished his career as a professional, he did say that he would continue to play tennis in the future. After all, no one would expect the love for tennis to end for someone who made millions fall in love with his style and grace on the court.
Why is Nadal not in the Laver Cup?
Rafael Nadal will not play the Laver Cup in 2023 as he is still recovering from a hip injury that he suffered at the 2023 Australian Open. He has missed all three majors in 2023 since then. Missing most of the year’s action meant that the Spaniard dropped out of the top 100 in men’s rankings for the first time since 2003 and also failed to qualify for the year-ending Nitto ATP Finals. The 2023 Laver Cup will be the first time since 2021 when neither Federer or Nadal would be taking part for Team Europe versus Team World.
FAQs
A. Roger Federer shed tears at the 2022 Laver Cup after he had finished playing his last professional match in his career. He underwent an emotional moment while thanking his supporters and family during the post-match ceremony.
A. Rafael Nadal withdrew from the remainder of the Laver Cup in 2022 after playing doubles with Federer, citing personal reasons. It was an emotional moment for him to see long-time friend and rival Federer retiring from the sport.
A. Yes, Rafael Nadal cried when Roger Federer retired after playing his final career match at the 2022 Laver Cup.
A. Roger Federer retired in 2022 after deciding to call time due to a personal desire of wanting to end his career with no more injuries and surgeries.
