Roger Federer on Nick Kyrgios – “I’m Glad He’s There”

Team Europe will be playing against the Team World at the Laver Cup 2019, and Roger Federer is elated with Nick Kyrgios’ presence in the tournament. “I experienced Nick as a good team player. I’m glad he’s there, although he’s controversial from time to time,” Federer said.

Nick Kyrgios defeated the 20-time Grand Slam champion, Roger Federer in their first meeting at Mutua Madrid Open 2015. However, since then, Federer is undefeated against the Australian in their next meetings. 

Further, the Swiss spoke about the relation between both the teams and they seem to have an affable bond with each other. “We have a good camaraderie with Team World, but it’s already broken. It’s a healthy rivalry. Nick, for example, and Jack Sock are louder when Zverev plays. He thinks this is funny in the beginning, but at some point, it annoys him. And they know that” Roger Federer mentioned.

World Number three, Federer addressed how the fun and tension vary once the tournament is in the air. “They are very euphoric on the bench. On Friday, it is still funny, on Saturday, some annoying and on Sunday it is very serious. The pressure and the tension increase more and more and as soon as the opponent wins, it becomes less and less fun for you,” he continued.

The world outside perceives Team Europe to be a stronger squad than Team World. The average ranking of Team Europe is 5.6 and whereas for Team World is 57. However, the players of Team Europe aren’t in their pitch-perfect form.

Federer has back issues, Dominic Thiem hasn’t cured of his sickness which has been prevailing since the North American swing. Fabio Fognini has an ankle issue and Rafael Nadal is dealing with US Open’s fatigue. Only Alexander Zverev and Stefanos Tsitsipas seem to be fit for the Laver Cup 2019.