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A18 SPORTS
Tuesday 21 February 2017
Roger Federer says Laver Cup will be a tough competition

KAREL JANICEK The teams won’t be named
Associated Press until after the U.S. Open,
PRAGUE (AP) — The new but it’s not clear yet if all
Laver Cup team tennis players who will formally
tournament is supposed to qualify via the rankings will
be a “tough” contest, not be available.
an exhibition, according to What is for certain,
Roger Federer. organizers said, is that
The competition will pit Federer and Rafael Nadal,
a team of the best six the finalists at this year’s
European players against Australian Open, will be on
the top six from the rest of the European team.
the world. The inaugural With Andy Murray,
edition is scheduled for Novak Djokovic and Stan
Sept. 22-24 at the O2 Arena Wawrinka possibly on the
in Prague. The following team, Europe seems to be
year, it moves to the United the one to beat.
States. “On paper, we look as the
“The idea is to absolutely big favorites,” Federer said.
have a tough tournament, “We have more depth in
tough matches, the better Team Europe that we can
man wins, that’s the idea choose from.”
of the Laver Cup,” Federer The tournament will include
said Monday. Switzerland’s Roger Federer answers questions during a press conference in Prague, Czech three singles and one
To promote the Republic, Monday, Feb. 20, 2017. doubles match every day.
competition, Federer Associated Press Federer was clear about
played some rallies against Europe while John two calendar-year Grand see it, that’s not how Rod his choice of his possible
Tomas Berdych on a boat McEnroe will do the same Slams. Laver sees it. He wants us partner for the doubles.
cruising the Vltava river to for the opponents. The No ATP rankings points will to represent our part of the “I guess I would love to
a crowd watching from the tournament is to honor be awarded, but Federer world with pride and try our play with Rafa just because
famed Charles Bridge. Rod Laver, an 11-time insisted that an exhibition very best and also win for of our rivalry has been so
Bjorn Bjorg will captain major champion who won “is not how the captains our teammates.” special,” Federer said.q