Laver Cup: Federer loses his last match alongside Nadal

The pair came together for the last time to bid farewell to the Swiss.

Roger Federer played his final match teaming up with Rafael Nadal at the Laver Cup. This was the fourth and last match of the 3-day event. The first two matches were comfortably won by team Europe with Casper Ruud and Tsitsipas getting better off Jack Sock and Diego Schwartzman. 

Team World came back strong winning the next two defeating Murray and Nadal/Federer.

Jack Sock/ Francis Tiafoe vs Roger Federer/ Rafael Nadal ( 6-4,6-7, 9-11)

Team Europe was off to a great start winning the 1st set 6-4. Team World had an experienced doubles player Jack Sock. Sock had the experience of playing at the Arena in the singles and knew how the surface would play. 

Playing at the near court is never easy with the pick-ups and volley. Both Nadal and Federer were extraordinary in the near end getting good placements. They won the 1st set by breaking the serve of Team Europe. Also, Federer and Nadal both targeted Tiafoe as he is a bit inexperienced which worked out to an extent.

Team World came back stronger and Sock pulled up his game. His backhand return on the 1st serve was excellent along with placements. In the tie break, Team Europe had a match point to finish the game which they squandered and lost the next two points. The hard court surface at the O2 Arena wasn't quick and fast.

Overall it did not feel like Federer was playing after many days and like before was at his best. Nadal too stepped up playing well at both the baseline and at the net. In the end, it was a dream to watch Federer play for the one final time in his 1750th match.

Federer has not played many doubles matches before. He has occasionally paired up with Stanislas Wawrinka during the Olympics and Davis Cup. The most memorable moment for Federer in doubles shall be winning gold for Switzerland at the 2008 Beijing Olympics with Wawrinka beating Simon Aspelin and Thomas Johansson from Sweden.

Before the match, Federer had come on Instagram Live along with Nadal. Federer said jokingly that he was very nervous about the match as he did not have much practice and game time. After having played for so many years still, the nervousness of playing his final match could be seen.

The match got a bit delayed due to a spectator entering the court and firing up his body. This happened in the 2nd match between Tsitsipas and Schwartzman.