Roger Federer has claimed Rafael Nadal ‘couldn’t be more pumped’ for returning to the Laver Cup after missing the competition last year.
The duo are primed to link up at the tournament as they plot a route to more ATP Tour glory.
Federer and Nadal were both part of Team Europe in 2017 but the Spaniard chose to miss last year’s due to injury concerns.
And Federer has claimed Nadal is excited to make a return for the competition, just weeks after his US Open triumph.
Nadal clocked up Grand Slam win No 19 in New York earlier this month.
And Federer said: “He couldn’t be more pumped up for this event.
“He just won the US Open. It would have been so easy for him to say, ‘Look, I need a break.’
“But he said, ‘No, my break’s coming afterwards. I push it all aside, and I’m doing this because I really believe in the concept of the Laver Cup. And I believe in you guys.’”
Federer also admitted he himself was excited for the action to start.
“It’s been energetic, it’s been thrilling, it’s been exciting,” the 38-year-old added.
“The two teams have finally clashed and seen each other. We are all ready to go.”
Given Federer’s Grand Slam lead was reduced by Nadal earlier this month, you could forgive the duo for having a tense relationship.
But the Swiss star’s coach, Severin Luthi, has insisted Federer won’t be heartbroken if his long-term rival overtakes him.
“No, I don’t think he stresses (about Nadal catching him up),” Luthi told Reuters.
“He focuses on himself. He has a lot of respect for Rafa and knows what it takes to win that many titles.
“I don’t see him in any way stressed. He won’t be completely destroyed if Rafa makes the 20.”
Luthi also claimed tennis fans should savour watching the two greats, rather than obsess about who is superior.
“It’s good for the fans. Especially the ones who thought it was all over when Roger had 16 or 17 and Rafa had 14,” he added.
Federer is in Laver Cup action on Friday night (7.30pm).
The Swiss star will team up with Russia’s Alexander Zverev against Jack Sock and Denis Shapovalov.