Watching Roger Federer and Novak Djokovic partner in doubles for the first time ever at the Laver Cup in Chicago was a thrill before the match ever started, even though two of the greatest men to ever play the sport lost the match in a super tiebreaker.
In a contest that featured something amateur players around the world can relate to–Djokovic accidentally hitting his partner Federer in the back–Jack Sock and Kevin Anderson gave Team World its first point of the tournament with a 6-4, 5-7, (10-6) win.
The new partners laughed off the incident and in GOAT-like fashion, won a hard-fought first set amid lots of fist pumps, high-fives, smiles and laughs.
In a stunning bit of irony, the man who’s seen as ruling the tennis world at the moment– Djokovic– was widely viewed as the weakest racquet on the court. That’s because of his perceived lack of acumen at the net as well as not much experience in this realm compared to the other 3.
For that reason, it was particularly fun to see scenes like Djokovic fist pumping proudly after sticking a volley winner in the first set.
Doubles has always been a tough visual sell in tennis, both in person and on TV. The speeds are higher than singles, the ball is cut off by net specialists with quick hands. It’s simply harder for viewers to follow the ball. It also doesn’t have that gladiator mano-a-mano aspect that singles does.
Still, this was special for all involved. Both men enjoyed the match immensely, with Djokovic saying “the experience was unique for all of us.” That certainly included the fans, who jammed the United Center in Chicago, filling even the upper decks to see this doubles contest.
Afterwards, Federer said doubles is tough because it’s can be difficult to find a rhythm and everything from the pre-match warmup to the way players train is different than it is in singles.
“You’re using a different part of your brain, speaking a different language,” he said.
Doubles remains hugely popular with recreational players due to less physical exertion needed–as well reduced court costs split with 4 players rather than 2. Finally, the more social aspect of doubles can make players feel part of a team.
Djokovic and Federer seemed to relish every aspect of their doubles experience, including their “bro time” in the day-long preparation and run-up to the match.
“Some of the fun comments, we’ll just keep in the locker room,” said Djokovic. “I will carry this forever.”
It’s as if a man who’s been raised in a vortex of a starkly individual sport finally got to feel what it’s like to be on a team.
Cordiality aside, dogged fans should not worry that the Djokovic-Federer singles battles will be any less intense.
“The rivalry is there. I want to beat Novak,” Federer said.
But for one night they were a single pair.
Main Photo:
Embed from Getty Images
