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Roger Federer's sad announcement ahead of Laver Cup farewell

Riley Morgan
·Sports Reporter
·5-min read
Roger Federer (pictured) walks out to play a match in the Laver Cup.
Roger Federer (pictured) has announced he won't play singles at the Laver Cup and will play one doubles match, most likely with Rafa Nadal, for his fairytale farewell. (Getty Images)

Roger Federer has made the sad announcement that he will only play one doubles event in his farewell tournament at the Laver Cup due to his ongoing injury.

Federer has not played a tennis match since his exit at Wimbledon last year, which has seen him undergo knee surgery.

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The 41-year-old called time on his career last week after admitting his body had finally told him he couldn't go on and play competitively at the Basel Open.

Federer's fitness coach then sparked concern when he claimed the maestro may not be fit enough to play in his farewell tournament at all.

However, in a bitter sweet moment, Federer announced he will play a doubles match at the Laver Cup.

"I'm happy and surprised at how good my shots are. But I won't be able to play singles, that was pretty clear beforehand," he told Swiss publication NZZ.

"That's why it was no longer an option to compete at the Swiss Indoors at the end of October.

"I guess I'll play doubles here on Friday night and that's it."

The eyes of the tennis world will be eagerly awaiting Federer's Friday event, which will be the last time we see him play in a pro-event.

Federer didn't say who he would pair in doubles.

But said his greatest rival, and friend, Rafa Nadal was his 'dream' partner.

"Maybe I can play doubles with Rafa, that would be an absolute dream," Federer told Swiss broadcaster SRF.

This sparked a mixed reaction from tennis fans.

Many were sad to hear Federer won't be playing a singles match in his farewell, while others were thrilled at the idea of seeing the Swiss star and Nadal reunite again at the Laver Cup.

The rules state at the Laver Cup that every entrant must play one singles and one doubles match.

However, you can make a replacement for any player by the weekend.

This will see Matteo Berrettini replace Federer and play the singles match.

Federer also claimed there would be no shock comeback in the future after he puts down the racquet.

"I am definitely done," Federer said to US TV Show Today.

Roger Federer (pictured left) and Rafa Nadal (pictured right) share a laugh at the Laver Cup in Geneva.
Roger Federer (pictured left) said Rafa Nadal (pictured right) was his dream doubles partner, which could see them pair up again at the Laver Cup.(Photo by Julian Finney/Getty Images for Laver Cup) (Julian Finney via Getty Images)

Andy Murray and Djokovic arrive for Federer's farewell

The 41-year-old was expected to play at the Swiss Indoors in Basel next month, but announced the Laver Cup would be his final tournament due to his body not recovering from surgery as expected.

Excitement has been gathering for the tournament and Federer's hint that Nadal is his 'dream' partner will excite fans that they could see 'Fedal' team up one last time.

Photos were posted of Federer training at the O2 Arena, in London, ahead of the tournament.

Federer was also seen greeting both Andy Murray and Novak Djokovic.

Federer is bringing down the curtain on a remarkable career that saw him win 103 ATP Tour-level titles - second only to Jimmy Connors (109) in the Open Era.

Among an array of other notable achievements, the 41-year-old spent a record 750 weeks in the top 10 of the men's singles rankings.

While Federer won't be playing in Basel next month, tournament director Roger Brennwald has revealed that the Swiss Maestro will still make an appearance to farewell his hometown fans.

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