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'Perfect tennis dream': Novak Djokovic's beautiful tribute to Roger Federer

Yahoo Sport Australia

Novak Djokovic has shared a special message to his teammate Roger Federer following the pair’s Laver Cup victory.

Djokovic competed in doubles with Federer for the first time in their careers at the event in Chicago, playing for Team Europe against Team World, but for Djokovic, the Laver Cup experience was about far more than the result.

The Serbian opened up on the special bond he shared with the Swiss maestro during their weekend together as teammates, and even some of the things the two talked about together.

“I think having a legend, Bjorn Borg, sitting on the bench and having Roger (Federer) and the other guys supporting you after every single point, standing up and cheering you on, and having John McEnroe on the opposite bench, you know, it’s quite unique,” Djokovic said.

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Novak Djokovic had some kind words for Roger Federer following the Laver Cup. Pic: Getty
Novak Djokovic had some kind words for Roger Federer following the Laver Cup. Pic: Getty

“It’s almost like a perfect tennis dream.

“I have experienced a lot and I have been really blessed to play this sport in high levels for so many years.

“But to talk with Roger about different things related to tennis, life, family, football.

“And the other guys just joking around and dancing to Grigor (Dimitrov’s) music, enjoying Kyle (Edmund’s) singing and following Jeremy (Chardy) everywhere he goes, yeah, it was a lot of fun.

Team Europe poses with the trophy. (Photo by Clive Brunskill/Getty Images for The Laver Cup)
Team Europe poses with the trophy. (Photo by Clive Brunskill/Getty Images for The Laver Cup)

“I really hope we can have another chance to get together.”

Djokovic, Federer and Team Europe certainly had an incredible time over their weekend in Chicago if social media was anything to go by.

The team shared constant updates of the shenanigans they were getting up to during and after their Laver Cup victory in the Windy City.

Tennis world erupts over ‘insane’ Roger Federer moment

Roger Federer has sent tennis fans into a frenzy with some incredible words of wisdom for Alexander Zverev at the Laver Cup.

Team Europe retained the Laver Cup on Monday (AEST) after Alexander Zverev beat Kevin Anderson to give Bjorn Borg’s side an unassailable 13-8 lead in the team event.

Zverev won the final five points of the match to defeat Anderson 6-7 (3-7) 7-5 (10-7) and increase Team Europe’s advantage to an unassailable 13-8 – denying a final deciding rubber scheduled between Novak Djokovic and Nick Kyrgios.

However it was an ‘insane’ mid-match pep talk from Federer to Zverev that was the major talking point afterwards.

Zverev had just dropped the first set to Anderson and appeared to be struggling with the big South African’s serve.

Enter Federer, who showed off his incredible tennis IQ with some words of wisdom that turned the tide for Zverev.

“You can return from where Bjorn (Borg) said or you can find your return position,” he said.

Roger Federer showed off his coaching skills. Image: Laver Cup/Twitter
Roger Federer showed off his coaching skills. Image: Laver Cup/Twitter

“But once the rally gets going, you have to remind yourself to keep your position or move forward. Stop moving back and back and back.

“That’s why he’s able to get all these volleys because he has too much time, he gets a metre or two closer to the net.

“He gets a split second more time to get his legs in position or to run around, all this stuff.

“If you get closer to the baseline he won’t have that time. That’s my opinion.

“You slice and you come back so just stay in that position. Then you can also see the short balls.

“Back there you don’t have any short balls anymore so it’s hard to stay offensive.”

Zverev used Federer’s advice to turn the tables on Anderson, breaking serve soon after and going on to claim victory.

Tennis fans were left in awe of Federer’s remarkable pep talk, commending the Swiss legend for providing such a unique insight into his mind.

Zverev later admitted that Federer’s advice helped him win.

“He helped me a lot. He gave me some tactical advice and it worked,” Zverev said.

“I won the second set and I won the match tie-break. It was a team effort, everyone supporting, the energy was unbelievable.”

Earlier in the day, Federer survived two match points to overcome John Isner 6-7 (5-7) 7-6 (8-6) 10-7 to put Europe 10-8 ahead.

Federer and Zverev had squandered two match points gone down to Isner and Jack Sock in the opening doubles of the final day 6-4 6-7 (2-7) 9-11 as Team World took their first lead in the event at 8-7.

Team Europe won the first Laver Cup last year in Prague.

with AAP