Tennis icon Roger Federer will return to the Laver Cup, which will be held in Vancouver between September 22nd and 24th, but not at playing capacity.
A year on since he officially retired from professional tennis, playing one final time in a doubles match alongside his great friend and rival Rafael Nadal, last year's Laver Cup was a coronation of the storied near three-decade career of the legendary Swiss.
The 42-year-old holds no regrets about how he brought the curtain down in the end, and in fact, was immensely happy he shared the stage in the presence of his rivals, fellow pros, and family members. Even though he will return to this year's tournament, not in any playing capacity, he's fascinated to bond with the fans in Vancouver - the host city of the 2023 Laver Cup.
Federer has won two Masters titles in Toronto, Canada, on the ATP Tour, but he's never played any pro tournament in Vancouver. The Swiss admits he's heard great things about the bustling city on the west coast.
"I will miss Laver Cup a lot as a player, with my last match also played there with Rafa on the court with Novak, Murray and everybody celebrating my career has been a beautiful moment in my career."
"I'm very much looking forward to Vancouver and the Laver Cup being there. I only heard great things about the city and so I'm really looking forward to seeing how Canadian fans will be especially with great players coming up."
Federer will be present on center court for a special post-match Q&A during the evening session on Day 1, Friday, September 22nd. All the fans in attendance will have the opportunity to submit their questions. Also, two lucky fans will be handpicked to meet Federer during each session at the tournament.
Federer is delighted with the pool of talent at the tournament's disposal. Since the tournament's inception in 2017, it has been a massive success, with fans packed in thousands on all three days during the event. And Federer believes it's a one-of-lifetime experience for any tennis fan.
"I think the experience of Laver Cup is like no other. I think going there for three packed, intense days of tennis, seeing the best players in the world and an unbelievable tennis show. It's a great experience, great venues, beautiful stadiums everything a tennis lover needs to see once in their lives."