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The Federer-Nadal bromance and other moments from the Laver Cup

By Veronica Elizabeth Bruno

GENEVA, SWITZERLAND - SEPTEMBER 22: Team Europe pose with the trophy after winning the Laver Cup in the final match of the tournament during Day Three of the Laver Cup 2019 at Palexpo on September 22, 2019 in Geneva, Switzerland. The Laver Cup will see six players from the rest of the World competing against their counterparts from Europe. Team World is captained by John McEnroe and Team Europe is captained by Bjorn Borg. The tournament runs from September 20-22. (Photo by Alex Burstow/Getty Images)
GENEVA, SWITZERLAND - SEPTEMBER 22: Team Europe pose with the trophy after winning the Laver Cup in the final match of the tournament during Day Three of the Laver Cup 2019 at Palexpo on September 22, 2019 in Geneva, Switzerland. The Laver Cup will see six players from the rest of the World competing against their counterparts from Europe. Team World is captained by John McEnroe and Team Europe is captained by Bjorn Borg. The tournament runs from September 20-22. (Photo by Alex Burstow/Getty Images) /
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The Laver Cup is the most fun event in tennis. With the enthusiasm for the sport on full court display, what’s not to love about this event? Here are all the outrageously fun moments from this year’s Laver Cup.

Tennis fans got the treat of a lifetime with Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal leading Team Europe to a hat trick Laver Cup victory. But it was no slam dunk, with a resilient Team World — with a surprise win by a fired-up Taylor Fritz setting in motion the crucial fourth match decider — making the final day a nail biter.

But it was taking place in Switzerland, and it was left up to Swiss Maestro Federer to even things up in the third match on Sunday. He did not disappoint on home turf, defeating John Isner in a tight two sets, 6-4, 7-6(3). But it came down to a close decider match, between two former world No. 3’s: Alexander Zverev and Milos Raonic. For the second year in a row, “Sascha” pulled it off in a three-set fight that sent Team Europe into celebration.

That was the tennis, but really, we all know that the Laver Cup is so much more. It’s a celebration of the sport, and the antics on the sidelines — with the greatest statesmen of tennis — on full display. And the love of the game shined through every moment, with fans continuously tweeting their enthusiasm for this glorious event.

Here is what made it such a sensation.

Nadal played the second day, winning his singles match, but losing his doubles. He pulled out of the matches on Sunday, including a highly anticipated doubles with Federer. However, the man was everywhere, coaching his teammates but also cheering them on with more energy than both teams put together. No wonder Bjorn Borg stepped aside to let the Spaniard do his thing. #coachdal became a hashtag and everyone agreed that Nadal should be named Coach of the Year, including Federer.

https://twitter.com/SI_Tennis/status/1175421162077265921

Even better? Nadal and Federer combining their tennis knowledge together.

But they couldn’t contain themselves when trying to explain doubles hand signals to Stef Tsitsipas.

However, Team World had their own strength in coach Nick Kyrgios, who thrives in the team environment. He came forward during clutch moments to advice his teammates throughout. But he also provided some notable fun clips, including:

Chugging a beer in the presser.

Being distracted by a “hot chick” in the final set of the Federer match.

But he and Jack Sock also continued their dominant doubles success at LC, celebrating in style after their win over Federer and Stefanos Tsitsipas to pull the surprise lead on the last day.

We also came to realize that tennis superstars are just like us when watching a tennis match.

They also have the same enthusiasm.

https://twitter.com/VIKI_RF/status/1175960644551659520

Taylor Fritz played the match of his life against top seed Dominic Thiem. He also increased Team World’s lead to a dramatic almost-win. It was another huge breakthrough for the US player in a terrific year.

John McEnroe complained, first about the inability to change the lineup of players on Sun, then in jest during his speech.

Federer and Nadal talked about insisting that Zverev should close out the final match, pointing to his win to get the title last year. He didn’t disappoint, but for a short while, it looked like Raonic would get the better of him. But “Fedal” were not going to let him slump his shoulders and let his team down. They gave him the pep talk of a lifetime, a fascinating window into Federer’s and Nadal’s competitive mindsets. We all need a Nadal yelling behind us, “no one negative face!” during our down moments.

Everyone took the event very seriously. Before Sascha took the court for the decider, Federer didn’t even bother to get dressed and gave him a pep talk in a towel. A classic moment here.

The Laver Cup was conceived to honor another GOAT, the legend, “The Rocket,” Rod Laver himself. At the outset of the event, Federer took him through a museum that paid tribute, a testament to the history of the sport.

Team Europe won and the celebrations went from elation.

To drunk.

https://twitter.com/inspiredtennis/status/1175858371011973120

To just plain loopy (Oh, Fabio).

https://twitter.com/CalebPereira23/status/1176519599296147456

Federer and Nadal didn’t play doubles, but their friendship was captivatingly on full display the entire event. May we always have Fedal.

The Laver Cup was another resounding success, full of unforgettable moments, images and gifs. It is a favorite for the players who play it. For tennis fans, it was a big party of unbridled tennis joy. The next LC will take place on US soil, in Boston, continuing their trend to bring a big tennis event to cities that don’t normally see that. Until next time, tennis enthusiasts!

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