Lifestyle
The Laver Cup is your last chance to see tennis’ ‘Big Three’ together on the court
Left to proper: Roger Federer, Rafael Nadal and Novak Djokovic
Clive Brunskill/Getty Pictures; Sarah Stier/Getty Pictures; Rob Newell – CameraSport by way of Getty Pictures
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Clive Brunskill/Getty Pictures; Sarah Stier/Getty Pictures; Rob Newell – CameraSport by way of Getty Pictures
Left to proper: Roger Federer, Rafael Nadal and Novak Djokovic
Clive Brunskill/Getty Pictures; Sarah Stier/Getty Pictures; Rob Newell – CameraSport by way of Getty Pictures
I’m not a psychic. I am a tennis fan. However I’ve a prediction: I imagine this weekend’s Laver Cup can be one of the crucial watched sporting occasions ever. The Laver Cup pits six of the highest males’s tennis gamers from any a part of Europe towards six of the highest males’s tennis gamers from the remainder of the world, in a Ryder Cup-like event. It is Group Europe versus Group World.
No, it isn’t the Tremendous Bowl. It isn’t the NBA championship. It isn’t the Olympics. However it’s the final alternative you’ll have to see three of the best athletes who ever walked this Earth: Roger Federer, Rafael Nadal and Novak Djokovic play collectively, on Group Europe.
It’s a historic second that any sports activities fan wants to observe. These three athletes have dominated a sport in such a means that it’s exhausting to think about Grand Slam tennis with out them.
Again in 2003, I referred to Pete Sampras as the most effective tennis participant that ever lived. Which he was. At the moment, I by no means thought we might see one other like him. Not to mention three. (Keep in mind, I am simply speaking males right here. Do not even get me began on Serena and her 23 Grand Slam titles. Serena is an entire different story. Are you able to say GOAT, GOAT, GOAT?)
However since Federer gained his first Wimbledon closing in 2003, the Huge Three — as they’re identified — have cumulatively gained 63 Grand Slam titles. Solely 14 Grand Slams in that timeframe have been gained by males not named Federer, Nadal or Djokovic. (Satirically, that is the identical variety of Grand Slams that Pete Sampras gained, earlier than the Huge Three got here on the scene and obliterated his reign because the GOAT.)
After this weekend, we should see Rafa. And we should see Novak going for extra Grand Slams. However the one which began all of it? The primary of the Huge Three — Roger Federer? We are going to by no means have the prospect to see him play one other Grand Slam once more. This weekend is his goodbye. What higher means for him to exit than alongside his two biggest rivals?
Roger Federer, left, and Novak Djokovic have a good time a degree on the Laver Cup in Chicago, Sick., in September 2018.
Clive Brunskill/Getty Pictures for The Laver Cup
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Clive Brunskill/Getty Pictures for The Laver Cup
So thanks, Roger, thanks, Rafa, thanks, Novak. You’re the GOATs. Plural. Individuals can argue backwards and forwards why any certainly one of you is the best of all time. They usually’d all be proper. We’re all blessed to have watched all of you play towards one another. Positive, with out all three of you within the combine, possibly certainly one of you alone would maintain all 63 Grand Slam titles. However it could’ve been totally boring. And I doubt it could’ve occurred. Your three-way rivalry made every of you a greater participant.
I, personally, am an avid Rafael Nadal fan. Although I’ve rooted towards Novak and Roger after they have been enjoying Rafa, I’ve all the time revered all of them. How will you not? And, this weekend, I can be rooting for all three of them. My prediction and hope is that the entire world can be watching with me.
Sorry Group World captain John McEnroe. Sorry Group World teammate, Frances Tiafoe. Love ya each. However this weekend? I am all Group Europe!
Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal have a good time through the Laver Cup in Prague, Czech Republic, in September 2017.
Julian Finney/Getty Pictures for Laver Cup)
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Julian Finney/Getty Pictures for Laver Cup)
Jane Krosby Braden is a author and former sports activities editor. Her essays have additionally been heard on NPR’s Weekend Version. She works within the company sponsorship division at VPM NPR & PBS in Richmond, Va.