Roger Federer admits the recent Laver Cup was an eye-opener for him in terms of being able to appreciate the balance players have between individual and team competition.
For much of the year, the world’s top players go head-to-head against each other for the highest prizes in tennis.
But in a bid to honour Rod Laver, Federer created the Laver Cup and the competition between Team Europe and Team World as captured the imagination of fans.
There are some critics of the event but the players have largely embraced the concept and provided memorable moments with Federer working together with his long-time rivals Rafael Nadal and Novak Djokovic.
And Federer hailed the players for coming together as a team but also ensuring their individual rivalry remains in place.
“On the Laver Cup, I think for me it’s been also eye-opening that we actually can sort of press a switch and then go team, friends, partners, you name it, and then, bang, you see each other, everybody had a great time,” Federer said.
“Then next time you play each other, I want to beat you, I like you, I respect you, but still, I’m going to beat you right now.
“So I’m happy that that balance is always going to be there, because I think the tennis player is a winner.
“He wants to win at all costs. You can do it tough and fair. You don’t have to cheat and stuff.
“But it’s nice to see, and also I think for the people that the rivalry will always remain regardless if we’re going to be on the same team.
“Yeah, I think Rafa shows that also very good. I think he was also a true leader that weekend.”
Federer also opened up about how he received messages from several players including Novak Djokovic about how the Laver Cup.
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 the team and create a good team atmosphere. And everybody did, as well. We have had a really great time.
“I just ran into Fognini just now. Dominic Thiem just texted me before. You know, I was in touch with Rafa the last few days, as well. Novak also wrote me, you know.
“So it’s nice to be in touch with everybody, to be quite honest.”