Frances Tiafoe recently revisited memories of witnessing Rafael Nadal and Roger Federer sharing an emotional moment during the latter’s last match at the 2022 Laver Cup. Nadal and Federer paired up for the final match of the Swiss Maestro’s career but lost to Tiafoe and Jack Sock.
Tiafoe is one of the six players confirmed for Team World. The 2024 US Open semifinalist will be joined by Taylor Fritz, Ben Shelton, Alejandro Tabilo, Francisco Cerundolo, and Thanasi Kokkinakis.Recently, the World No. 16 fondly recalled seeing ‘Mount Rushmore athletes’ Federer and Nadal holding hands and crying. He said it was one of his favorite memories at the Laver Cup.
“I mean, that’s wild. I’m a kid, like eight, nine years old, watching these guys battle each other. And now, like, you know, at the end, they’re like holding hands, like the respect they have for each other,” Tiafoe said.
Tiafoe said he admired the love and respect the duo shares for each other, even though they are different from each other.
“One dude, Spanish, was barely speaking English when he first started. Another dude, you think he’s American with how well he speaks English, and he’s so fly and does everything like they’re so different. But they just love each other and the respect they have for each other is insane,” he said.
He added:
“So that was probably the coolest thing ever. And I was like, man, it’s just cool to be here. Like, forget what even just happened. It’s cool to be here. Yeah,” he added.
Rafael Nadal has pulled out of the 2024 Laver Cup. In a statement, the Spaniard said he wanted to do what was best for the team, stating that other players could help deliver a win for the team.
The former World No. 1 looked back at emotional memories and also wished his teammates the best of luck for the tournament.
“I have so many great, emotional memories from playing Laver Cup and I was really looking forward to being with my teammates and with Bjorn in his final year as Captain. I wish Team Europe the very best of luck and will be cheering them on from afar,” he added.
Rafael Nadal has won the Laver Cup title twice, in 2017 and 2019.
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