Federer and Nadal had hard relationship with Djokovic before Laver Cup

Roger Federer announces retirement from professional tennis

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Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal used to have a difficult relationship with Novak Djokovic before the Laver club after they opposed the Serbian’s move to form the Professional Tennis Players Association (PTPA) in 2021. The legendary pair both condemned the reigning Wimbledon champion for his revolt, keeping their position on the ATP players council to ensure his plans went no further. 

The trio have since mended their relationship prior to this week’s tournament, a competition that has transpired to be the Swiss legends last in the sport. The legends represented Team Europe in the competition as they looked to defend the title they have successfully won from Team World in every iteration of the event so far. 

The tennis stars are considered to be the greatest players of all time in the men’s game with the trio sharing 63 Grand Slam titles between them. The rivalry on court has always been intense as they are often left competing with each other in the latter stages of the major tournaments however it has usually been coupled with huge respect off court. 

This was not the case when Federer and Nadal took different stances to Djokovic on the issue of the PTPA, with the legends publically disagreeing on the issue. The Serb fronted the bid for a new player’s association alongside Vasek Pospisil, attempting to gain more from the ATP for all players on the tour. 

“We want to be accepted, respected and acknowledged,” Djokovic explained when asked what the purposes of the association was. “That’s what we want. That’s what we deserve as players.

“When I say ‘we’, I don’t just think and say that it’s about Vasek and myself or PTPA management. It’s about players and hundreds of players that are part of PTPA movement and part of PTPA initiatives.

“This is what our aim is – we will never find out how PTPA will be incorporated or not incorporated within the current ecosystem of tennis, the structure, until certain things are done and certain steps are made.”

However, his biggest on-court rivals stood against him, speaking of the need for a united front amid the issues caused by the Coronavirus crisis.

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“The world is living a difficult and complicated situation,” said Nadal in August 2021. “I personally believe these are times to be calm and work all of us together in the same direction. It is time for unity, not for separation,” 

“These are moments where big things can be achieved as long as the world of tennis is united. We all, players, tournaments and governing bodies have to work together. We have a bigger problem and separation and disunion is definitely not the solution.” 

Federer agreed, tweeting his support for the Spaniard: “I agree @RafaelNadal. These are uncertain and challenging times, but I believe it’s critical for us to stand united as players, and as a sport, to pave the best way forward.” 

In the end, Djokovic’s initiative came to very little and it appears no ill-feelings are shared between the trio given the huge respect that exists between everyone involved. 

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