ANDY MURRAY says Roger Federer’s finale on Friday has made him think about his own retirement plans — and how to go out on a high.
More than 24 years after he made his debut, Swiss maestro Fed signs off by partnering his great rival Rafa Nadal in the Laver Cup doubles.
Instagram / @rogerfedererRafael Nadal, Andy Murray, Novak Djokovic and Roger Federer take selfie together on their way to the Laver Cup Gala[/caption]
The tennis greats are reunited for one last tournament before icon Federer’s retirementGetty
There will be a packed house at The O2 in London as they face US duo Frances Tiafoe and Jack Sock.
Federer’s Team Europe team-mate Murray, 35, has fought on despite hip surgery in 2019.
But he said: “As you get older as athletes, and with some of the physical issues, you do think about if or when should you stop, when is the right moment and how would you like it to be.
“It’s impossible to know. But this, to me, it feels right.
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“Seeing Roger and Rafa on the same side of the net together and finishing their careers as a team in this event.
“Bjorn Borg on the side of the court and John McEnroe there, Rod Laver in the stands.
“It’s going to be a really cool way to end an incredible career.
“I’ve thought about it myself but I don’t think there’s many better ways to go out than like this. The way Roger has gone about it, how he seems to be with such a big decision or moment in his career, he seems to get a lot of things right. Does things the right way.
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Fans have been scrambling for tickets to the O2 eventRex
APMurray admits he is contemplating his own retirement as Federer says goodbye[/caption]
“That’s something we can all learn from as well. I think it’ll be emotional.
“I’d imagine for Roger it will be unbelievably difficult but for a lot of the players it will be tough. It feels right that this is the way he’ll finish his career.”
Yesterday the Fab Four of Federer, Nadal, Murray and Novak Djokovic played a short doubles practice match together to delight fans who paid £35 a head — with all proceeds going to charity.
Federer (20), Nadal (22), Djokovic (21) and Murray (3) share 66 singles Majors between them across 19 years.
For the record, Federer and Nadal won 3-1 — each player had a chance to serve — and the winning point was a trademark one-handed backhander from the retiring 41-year-old.
Nadal, 36, said: “After all the amazing things that we shared together on and off court, to be part of this historic moment on Friday is going to be amazing, unforgettable for me. I am super excited.
“I hope I can have a good chance to play at a decent level and hopefully together we can create a good moment and maybe win a match.
“To be on court, having Roger next to me one more time will be something that I am very much looking forward to.
“It is going to be difficult to handle everything, especially for Roger, without a doubt.
“One of the most important players, if not the most important player, in my tennis career is leaving.”