Sad Roger Federer and Rafa Nadal detail at Laver Cup sparks backlash

Tennis fans have been left frustrated after Team Europe for the Laver Cup was announced, which marks just the second time none of Roger Federer, Rafa Nadal, Novak Djokovic and Andy Murray won't feature. Last year's Laver Cup was the biggest of any edition with Federer playing his last competitive match, alongside Rafa Nadal, in his tennis farewell.

Fans will forever remember the iconic moment between Federer and Nadal as both broke out in tears after their final time on court together as competitors. However, a year later and fans have pointed out that the 2023 Laver Cup tournament might not carry the same weight as previous events.

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The absence of Federer, Nadal and Djokovic has left fans wondering if the tournament will garner the same attention this year. It also doesn't help fan-favourite and World No.1 Carlos Alcaraz is also not playing in the tournament.

Team Europe lost last year with Nadal and Federer only playing the doubles in a farewell send-off. Many fans could argue this year's Team Europe line-up is stronger with World No. 4 Holger Rune and World No.6 Casper Ruud leading the younger outfit, which also includes popular veteran Gael Monfils.

However, while the old guard is missing, Team Europe is also missing Alcaraz and World No.6 Jannik Sinner. Djokovic, Daniil Medvedev, Alcaraz and Sinner are all playing the Davis Cup the week before, but missing the Laver Cup.

Tennis reporter Jose Morgado labelled this year's tournament as the 'weakest edition' so far. While his comment received some backlash, one fan pointed out there is no grand slam winner in either Team Europe or Team World in 2023.

Fans were quick to weigh-in on the drama surrounding this year's Laver Cup with many questioning how it will be perceived without the iconic tennis names taking part in the coming years.

There is also no guarantee Nadal will play next year with the 22-time grand slam champion taking time away from the sport after his injury that ruled him out of Roland Garros, Wimbledon and the US Open this year.

Roger Federer to make guest appearance at Laver Cup

Federer made his final competitive appearance at the Laver Cup in one of the most memorable moments seen in tennis. Federer and Nadal broke into tears as they watched the Swiss maestro's career highlights, before Mirka Federer joined the tennis star on court as Ellie Goulding serenaded the icon.

And after this year's edition, Federer will be honoured for his career at the tournament he co-started. Federer will join the players on-court for the coin toss ahead of the last game.

Former World No.1 Jim Courier will then interview the legend to mark one year on from his retirement. Meanwhile, all the players at the Laver Cup will be taking part in the US Open starting on August 28.

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