Rafael Nadal withdraws from Laver Cup after double play with Roger Federer | tennis news

LONDON: Rafael Nadal has withdrawn from the rest of the Laver Cup for personal reasons after playing a doubles match with friend and rival Roger Federer, which put the curtain on the Swiss superpower’s glittering tennis career.
Photos and videos of Federer and Nadal – who shared one of tennis’s most captivating rivals – sitting on a chair and crying after a combination for Team Europe in a double defeat at the O2 Arena in London on Friday went viral on social media.

The Spaniard, who has won a men’s record of 22 Grand Slam titles, later said a key part of him would also be leaving the Tour with Federer’s retirement.
“Rafael Nadal withdrew for personal reasons. He will be replaced by Cameron Norrie,” said the tournament organizers on Saturday.

Nadal is also expecting his first child with wife Mery Perello soon, but made the trip to London to play alongside Federer on the Swiss maestro’s latest professional outing.
Federer was replaced by Italian Matteo Berrettini in Team Europe, who was tied at 2-2 with Team World after the opening day games.

Novak Djokovic will also return to action on Saturday for the first time since winning his 21st singles title at Wimbledon last month. He plays the American Frances Tiafoe and then in doubles with Berrettini.