For more than two decades, it has been one of the most intense and compelling rivalries in the history of tennis. But the big four are set to declare a ceasefire at this year’s Laver Cup after Novak Djokovic was named as the latest addition to a field that also includes Rafael Nadal, Roger Federer and Andy Murray.
Djokovic, who indicated during his run to a seventh Wimbledon title that his agent was in talks over a possible appearance at the three-day event, has confirmed that he will be part of the Team Europe side at London’s O2 Arena in September.
The Serb’s only previous appearance at the Laver Cup came in 2018, when he played alongside Federer as Team Europe claimed a 13-8 victory in Chicago.
“It’s the only competition where you can play in a team environment with guys that you’re normally competing against,” said Djokovic. “To be joining Rafa, Roger and Andy – three of my biggest all-time rivals – it’s going to be a truly unique moment in the history of our sport.”
The 35-year-old’s decision to play may have been simplified by the increasing unlikelihood that he will be allowed to compete at the US Open. Djokovic was named on the initial entry list for the season’s final major, but US government rules stipulate that foreign travellers must be vaccinated against Covid-19 in order to enter the country.
The US Open said in a statement that, while all eligible players were automatically entered, the tournament would respect government rules. As things stand, that would leave Djokovic – who remains unvaccinated against the virus – unable to enter the country.
“The US Open does not have a vaccination mandate in place for players, but it will respect the US government’s position regarding travel into the country for unvaccinated non-US citizens,” said the statement.
While that means the pursuit of Nadal’s landmark tally of 22 majors will probably have to wait until next season, Djokovic will nonetheless have the opportunity to be part of a historic alliance at the Laver Cup, where Bjorn Borg will once again captain Team Europe against a Team World side led by John McEnroe.
“I don’t think I could have imagined having these four icons of the sport on one team together,” said Borg, looking ahead to the union of a quartet with a collective haul of 66 majors.
“I know they, like I, appreciate the significance of this moment and will be truly up for it. Each year our goal is to win. With Rafa, Roger, Andy and Novak on the team, I like our chances.”
Felix Auger-Aliassime, Taylor Fritz and Diego Schwartzman have all confirmed their intention to play for McEnroe’s team.