“Dominic Thiem Just Texted Me, Novak Djokovic Also Wrote Me”: Roger Federer Opens Up on Bonding During Laver Cup

Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal had teamed up to coach their fellow mates and did their best to fire up them at the Laver Cup 2019 last month. The Swiss maestro admits that taking on the role of Team Europe’s cheerleader was refreshing for him.

Sharing his Laver Cup experience in the pre-tournament press conference at the Shanghai Rolex Masters 2019, Roger Federer suggested that he had a really great time with his team in the three-day event.

He said: “It’s great fun. I don’t know what to tell you. It’s incredible all the videos and pictures that did come out of the Laver Cup again. I tried my best to support the players and create a good team atmosphere. And everybody did, as well. We have had a really great time.”

The 20-time Grand Slam champion also revealed that he is in touch with his Laver Cup teammates as well. I just ran into Fabio Fognini just now. Dominic Thiem just texted me before. I was in touch with Rafael Nadal in the last few days, as well. Novak Djokovic also wrote to me,” Federer further added.

While Fabio Fognini won his first-round against Sam Querrey at the Shanghai Rolex Masters 2019 on Monday, Novak Djokovic landed in Shanghai after claiming his maiden title at the Japan Open 2019 on Sunday.

Dominic Thiem also heads towards Shanghai after winning the title at the China Open 2019 on Sunday. On the other hand, Rafael Nadal is skipping the Masters 1000 event in China due to an inflammation in his hand and is preparing for his marriage with long-time girlfriend, Xisca Perello.

Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal linked up for an amazing moment of coaching as they tried to inspire their teammate Fabio Fognini during the day one of the 2019 Laver Cup. Later in the evening, the two legends paired up to coach the 21-year-old Stefanos Tsitsipas. Nadal and Federer furthermore gave coaching tips to each other during their matches at the Laver Cup 2019.

The two goliaths of the sport- Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal were also seen peppering next-generation star Alexander Zverev with advice during the last month’s Laver Cup in Geneva.

Their encouragement and instructions worked well for the German during the changeover before the final match tiebreaker that would decide the winning team. The 22-year-old then went on to win the final set tiebreaker against Team World’s Milos Raonic and claim the trophy for Team Europe for the third consecutive year.

The 38-year-old is currently getting ready for the Shanghai Rolex Masters 2019, where he will be facing Albert Ramos Vinolas in the second round after receiving a bye in the opening round.