Tennis legend Rafael Nadal has confirmed that he will represent Europe in the Laver Cup team tournament in September. This could be his last tournament before he retires from the sport as he has hinted that 2024 is likely to be the final season of his career. This will be the seventh edition of the Laver Cup and Nadal will join fellow Spaniard Carlos Alcaraz, Daniil Medvedev and Alexander Zverev for Team Europe as Bjorn Borg's team bids to win back the trophy from Team World. The 37-year-old recently returned to the action for the first time since January last week at the Barcelona Open. He has struggled with injuries for the last two years.
Notably, this will be the 22-time Grand Slam champion's fourth appearance at the three-day team tournament after Prague in 2017, Geneva in 2019 and London in 2022. In his last appearance, he teamed up with his rival Roger Federer, which was the Swiss great’s match.
The competition is different and exciting: Rafael Nadal
Upon the announcement of his participation at the team event, Nadal shared about how much this competition has meant to him over the years.
"At this stage in my career I really want to go out there and make the most of every opportunity I am given. Teaming up is always an incredible experience and I have always enjoyed it, the competition is different and exciting. I'm looking forward to going to Berlin and helping Team Europe win back the Laver Cup," Nadal said in a statement from Laver Cup.
'Rafa is an absolute legend in our sport'
Meanwhile, team Europe captain Bjorn Borg lavished praise on Nadal and said that he will be with us in Berlin.
"Rafa is an absolute legend in our sport, a true champion in every sense of the word," Europe captain Bjorn Borg said.
"It's my last year as captain. Having him on Team Europe this year was a goal of mine and I'm thrilled he has accepted my invitation and will be with us in Berlin,” Bjorn Borg added.
Team Europe will take on John McEnroe-led Team World, who have won the event over the past two years. The tournament is set to be held in Berlin from September 20 to 22.
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