And if Federer was going to be restricted to doubles as Team Europe looked to extend its perfect record, there was only one person it made sense for him to pair up with.
“Fedal” would take the court once again.
On the opening day, Team Europe climbed to a 2-1 lead over Team World after the first three singles matches, setting the stage for Federer and Nadal to battle Jack Sock and Frances Tiafoe. The Americans won the opening set 6-4, before Federer and Nadal rallied to claim the second 7-6. The deciding tiebreak was as close as can be, but when Sock ripped a forehand winner down the line to clinch the victory for the Americans, Federer’s illustrious career came to a close.
And from then on, there was hardly a dry eye in the house, including those of the men who will be forever linked.