TENNIS NEWS 2017: RAFAEL NADAL MAKING BRISBANE DEBUT & PLAYING DOUBLES WITH ROGER FEDERER AT THE LAVER CUP BY RICKY DIMON

Written by: Staff on 25th August 2016

14053736_1110491585688021_7755597011994272020_o

TENNIS NEWS 2017: RAFAEL NADAL MAKING BRISBANE DEBUT & PLAYING DOUBLES WITH ROGER FEDERER AT THE LAVER CUP BY RICKY DIMON |

It’s never too early to start thinking about 2017–no matter that there is still one more Grand Slam to go in 2016 and it begins on Monday. Especially if you’re a fan of Rafael Nadal, there were some notable announcements on Wednesday. Not only will the 14-time major make his debut at the Brisbane International next season, but he will also suit up for doubles with Roger Federer at the inaugural Laver Cup.

The Spaniard generally begins each year in Doha, but this time around he will arrive Down Under earlier than usual for his Australian Open preparation.

“It’s going to be the first time in my career that I’m going to play in Australia the first week of the season and I’m really excited about it,” Nadal commented. “I think this is something I have to do during my career and I think at the same time it’s going to be a great preparation to be in Australia early. Everybody who has been in Brisbane has told me very beautiful things about the tournament and the place, so I want to try it.”

“The Brisbane International has a reputation for attracting the biggest names in world tennis and we’re really excited our fans will have the chance to see Rafa in action this summer,” tournament director Geoff Quinlan said. “We’ve been in talks with Rafa for a number of years about competing in Brisbane. He’s seen the event get bigger and better every year and we’re ecstatic he’s decided to join the field in 2017. Rafa is a legend of the sport and one of the most exciting players to see live, so I’m sure fans will be counting down the days to January.”

September of next season will also provide a treat for tennis fans. The first-ever Laver Cup, a team event between Europe and the rest of the world held over three days, will take place in Prague, Czech Republic. John McEnroe and Bjorn Borg will be the two captains for at least the first three years.

(left to right) Bjorn Borg, Rafael Nadal, Rod Laver, Roger Federer and John McEnroe pose for a photo during a Laver Cup media announcement St Regis Hotel on August 24, 2016 in New York City. (Photo by Alex Goodlett/Getty Images)

Team Europe already knows it has at least one dynamic doubles duo on the roster for 2017.

“I think it’s going to be absolutely unbelievable–to be on the same side of the net as Rafa finally is a great feeling,” Federer assured. “I was facing the big forehand and now I can actually support it, and tell him to hit one more and actually get joy out of it.”

“It’s gonna be very special to be on a team with Roger,” Nadal said. “We have been like rivals for all of our careers, so to be on the same team, and even play some doubles together, will be something very special and I’m very excited about it.”