Swiss tennis player Roger Federer admitted that he needed to take a break after the US Open as the 36-year-old felt "tired" after the last Grand Slam of the season. Two weeks have passed since the Swiss finished his campaign at Flushing Meadows. 2009 US Open champion Juan Martin del Potro defeated Federer in the quarter-finals.
Federer will be making a comeback to action this week as he has decided to play at the Laver Cup. The event, named after the great Rod Laver, is set for its inaugural edition this week in Prague. 12 players have been divided into two teams.
Team Europe will be represented by Federer, Rafa Nadal, Alexander Zverev, Dominic Thiem, Marin Cilic and Tomas Berdych. On the other side, USA's Jack Sock, John Isner, Sam Querrey and Frances Tiafoe, as well as rising Nick Kyrgios and Denis Shapovalov, will represent Team World.
"I was tired, a lot of things in my body weren't right and I tried to take a rest and be ready for Laver Cup," Federer said, per Tennis World. "Back is doing well. I will try to practice every day until Friday when first matches will be played."
Federer happy for his friend Nadal
Ahead of the Laver Cup, Federer claimed he is happy to see his old-rival and good friend Nadal back on the winning terms at Grand Slams. Federer, 36, and 31-year-old Nadal conquered the Major events this year.
The Swiss won it all at the Australian Open and Wimbledon, while the Spaniard went all the way at the French Open and US Open.
Federer himself prevented Nadal from winning more than one Grand Slam this year. The 36-year-old narrowly beat Nadal in five sets in the Australian Open final. The Spanish ace was up by a break at the beginning of the decider, but couldn't hold on to beat the Swiss.
"I feel like in 2006 or 2005. I am so happy for Rafa. Two Major titles for each of us is certainly a big surprise," Federer said.
Federer pleased with his season
Federer and Nadal were the main favorites to win it all at the US Open. Grand Slam champion Andy Murray, Novak Djokovic, and Stan Wawrinka were all forced to be absent in New York.
In the end, it turned out to be Nadal taking the most out of the weakened US Open draw. Federer ended champion at Wimbledon, where the injured-Murray lost in the quarterfinals and Djokovic was forced to retire during his last-eight match. Federer beat Berdych in the Wimbledon semi-finals before he defeated Croat Cilic in the final.
"Some opponents injuries helped us, but it has happened the other way in the past too," Federer acknowledged. "For us, it's a dream season that hopefully will end in style."
