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WATCH: Roger Federer warms up with Rafael Nadal ahead of final match

The Swiss’ final practice session was a standing room only affair, and featured an appearance from self-proclaimed Federer "groupie” Anna Wintour.

ByBaseline Staff

Published Sep 23, 2022

WATCH: Roger Federer's Laver Cup press conference

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When Roger Federer speaks, fans listen. And when Roger Federer announces the final practice session of his career, fans turn up in droves.

That’s what happened on Friday afternoon at The O2, when the 20-time Grand Slam winner dropped a note to fans on social media announcing that he was currently on his way to the venue with doubles partner Rafael Nadal:

about to hit the practice courts one last time with @RafaelNadal. might do an IG Live on the way..
— Roger Federer (@rogerfederer) September 23, 2022

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A post shared by Roger Federer (@rogerfederer)

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Team Europe’s Federer and Nadal were fine-tuning their game ahead of the final match of the Swiss’ career, a doubles clash against Frances Tiafoe and Jack Sock.

The practice session drew crowds of fans, who lined up outside the public courts to get a glimpse of the action.

Roger Federer hit the public practice court for one last warmup.

Fans at The O2 trying to catch a glimpse of the occasion—from any vantage point.

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A post shared by Laver Cup (@lavercup)

“At the end, living this moment will be difficult. Of course I am super excited and grateful to play with him," Nadal said of playing doubles with Federer. "I just think I gonna try to do my best in every single way, to help to have this moment even more special than what it's gonna be.”

Nadal and Federer meet at the net after the practice.

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With a combined 42 Grand Slams in singles, Nadal and Federer will take the court together in doubles later tonight.

Various members of Rafa's family and team lined up for a photo with Roger after the practice—including Carlos Moya.

“Of course, it's super special playing with Rafa. Feels really different, you know," Federer said of playing doubles with Nadal. “Also just walking out on court and having the chance to play with the likes of Rafa or Novak also in the past has been an amazing experience for me.

"So to be able to do that one more time, I'm sure it's going to be wonderful.”

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Anna Wintour, editor-in-chief of Vogue and self-proclaimed Federer "groupie", made sure she didn't miss the moment either.

The line for Federer's last practice.

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Baseline