“My dream is for Federer to be captain and Nadal assistant, then the other way around” – Tony Godsick
Godsick also shares his thoughts on the possibility of a Federer v Nadal exhibition in the future
The Laver Cup has brought some indelible memories for tennis fans, perhaps the biggest of them being Roger Federer‘s emotional send-off in 2022, where he partnered along with close friend and long-time rival Rafael Nadal in the doubles match and the two men then sat side-by-side in tears.
There could be some more of those in the future if Tony Godsick, the president and CEO of TEAM8, the company that partly owns the Laver Cup, has his wish. Godsick has expressed his desire to see Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal work together on the captain’s bench at the Laver Cup in the future.
“My dream is for Roger Federer to be captain and Rafael Nadal as assistant and then the other way around,” Godsick told Spanish media outlet Marca. “In this way, they would be in office longer. The rivalry they both had on the court was very special, but I think the friendship of the two outside is even more special. They are clear examples that all competitors can get along.”
“Anything is possible in the future” – Godsick on a future Federer v Nadal Exhibition
Godsick also revealed that there were no immediate plans for a Federer vs Nadal exhibition match but left the door ajar for the future.
“Since Roger retired, he hasn’t wanted to play another match as long as he doesn’t feel physically well. To my mind comes the record of spectators that they beat in South Africa. We like to do big things. If there is an option to beat that one day, I’m sure Roger will consider it. They both like to collaborate and I like working with Carlos Costa. I have very good memories. We did the half-grass, half-clay exhibition in Mallorca…. Anything is possible in the future,” Godsick added.
Team Europe won the most 2024 edition of the Laver Cup in Berlin, with Federer watching from the stands and Nadal cheering from home. This was the fifth time that Team Europe has won the competition, ending a two-year winning streak for Team World.