Roger Federer honored his promise of appearing in Vancouver at this year's Laver Cup in a non-playing role and held a special Q&A on Day 1 to mark one year since his official retirement.
Federer answered some interesting questions during the session chaired by former player Jim Courier on the court. And one of those questions came from his great tennis rival and friend Rafael Nadal who arrived virtually on the giant screen, and who amplified decibel levels of applause. The Spaniard is unable to partake in this year's tournament due to injury.
Nadal cheekily posed a question question to Federer to name his favorite doubles partner. The Swiss legend cracked a smile before he struggled to conceal his laughter. Federer mentioned that his wife Mirka was his favorite doubles partner. Federer once played alongside Mirka (who was his girlfriend) at the 2002 Hopman Cup.
But Federer changed his mind after teaming up with the Spaniard at last year's Laver Cup. Federer played his one and only match in 2022, which was his farewell outing, joining forces with Nadal in an emotionally intoxicating doubles match in London.
"I mean, I thought it was my wife until this guy showed up. So yeah, yeah, Rafa can have it. Last year was on another level special, so yeah."
An action-packed opening day saw Team World take a commanding 4-0 lead, courtesy of three singles wins from Ben Shelton, Francisco Cerundolo, and Felix Auger-Aliassime. American pair of Tommy Paul and Frances Tiafoe completed a clean sweep for John McEnroe's side by winning the doubles bout.
Tempers flared during the match between Gael Monfils and Felix Auger-Aliassime, but there was no love lost between the players. Team Europe will be looking to turn the deficit around, with two points set to be awarded for each win on Saturday and three on Sunday. The first team to attain 13 points will win the Laver Cup.
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