Roger Federer to only play Friday doubles at the Laver Cup, reveals ‘absolute dream’ partner for farewell

Roger Federer plans to play in the evening doubles match at the Laver Cup on Friday in what he says will be his final match as a professional tennis player.

“Since it’s out, I’m better. Writing the letter took a lot of energy. It was very moving, especially for my parents and [Federer’s wife] Mirka.

“In the meantime I can talk about the resignation easily, I didn’t expect that.

“A few days after Wimbledon, in July. The knee just wasn’t progressing anymore. I asked myself: what’s the point? We had been on thin ice for a long time. I know it’s the right decision, the only good decision.

“I am quite surprised how well I am playing in practice here. But it was already clear beforehand that I would only play doubles, probably on Friday evening. That’s why playing the Swiss Indoors in Basel was no longer an option.

“It was tough, the whole comeback was extremely difficult. I was so far from 100 percent. Reaching the quarter-finals at Wimbledon was unbelievable for me. The last set against [Hurbert] Hurkacz was one of the worst hours of my career.”

“Maybe I can play doubles with Rafa, that would be an absolute dream,” said Federer.

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