Federer, Nadal, Murray, Djokovic: Tennis Big Four Plan To Unite At Laver Cup 2022
Friday, July 22, 2022 at 10:36AM By Barry Janoff
July 22, 2022: Tennis is about to experience the equivalent of MLB being able to reunite Murdrerers’ Row.
Twenty-one time Grand Slam champion Novak Djokovic said he plans to play for Team Europe in the Laver Cup, joining previously named team members Roger Federer, Rafael Nadal and Andy Murray.
The fifth edition of the Laver Cup, which was founded by Federer’s management company, is scheduled to be played in London’s O2 arena, Sept. 23-25 (Tennis Channel).
“I’m really excited to be joining Team Europe again for the Laver Cup at London’s O2 arena in September,” Djokovic said via the Laver Cup.
"Laver Cup is the only competition where you can have all the big rivals, the 'Big Three', 'Big Four' players joining in the same team. Of course, it is (a) very different and exciting concept for us players, but also for the fans around the world."
The four men have won 66 of the past 76 Grand Slam singles titles: Nadal 22, Djokovic 21, Federer 20 and Murray 3.
They also have won every Wimbledon Grand Slam men’s singles title since 2003 — including Djokovic earlier this month — and held the top spot in the ATP Tour rankings for 18 consecutive years from February 2004-February 2022.
The 1927 New York Yankees Murderers’ Row was led by Babe Ruth and Lou Gehrig, who hit a combined 107 home runs and led the team to a 110-44 record and a World Series title.
“I don’t think I could have imagined having these four icons of the sport on one team together,” Team Europe captain Bjorn Borg said via the Laver Cup.
“I know they, like I, appreciate the significance of this moment and will be truly up for it. Each year our goal is to win. With Rafa, Roger, Andy and Novak on the team, I like our chances.”
Federer has not played an ATP Tour event since 2021 Wimbledon due to a third surgery on his right knee.
Nadal has missed several events this year due to a variety of injuries, but won the first two Grand Slams of 2022, at the Australian Open and Roland Garros.
“I’m really looking forward to getting back into competition later this year and Laver Cup is very much part of my plan,” Federer said via the Laver Cup earlier this year.
“Rafa is an incredible person and an inspiration to me and countless others around the world. He messaged me on social media after the Laver Cup in Boston (in 2021) suggesting we play doubles in London and I am definitely up for a Laver Cup ‘Fedal’ comeback!”
Former world No. 1 Murray is currently ranked in the Top 50 as part of a comeback following hip and back surgery.
"Laver Cup is the only competition where you can have all the big rivals, the 'Big Three', 'Big Four' players joining in the same team."
Team Europe will face Team World, with captain John McEnroe. That roster to date includes Felix Auger-Aliassime (Canada), Taylor Fritz (U.S.) and Diego Schwartzman (Argentina).
Team Europe is undefeated in Laver Cup competition, winning in Prague 2017, Chicago 2018, Geneva 2019 and Boston 2021.
The event was not held in 202 due to COVID-19 concerns.
“I’m looking forward to playing the Laver Cup in London,” Murray said via the Laver Cup when he committed to the event in June.
“I love playing as part of a team and there is a great atmosphere and intensity to the event. I’ve heard lots of good things and I’m excited to be teaming up with both Roger and Rafa for Team Europe.”
Named in honor of Australian tennis legend Rod Laver, the Laver Cup rotates host cities between Europe and the World. After London, it will travel to Vancouver in 2023 and Berlin in 2024.
Federer Eyes Laver Cup Competition With Nadal
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