Rafael Nadal accepts Bjorn Borg's Laver Cup invitation to play for Team Europe in Berlin

In September 2022, Rafael Nadal helped send off Roger Federer inside London’s O2 Arena by suiting up alongside his long-time rival and friend for one final Laver Cup match.

While Federer’s hopes of a farewell tour were reduced to a single doubles appearance that weekend, it nevertheless left a lasting impression when Federer, Nadal, Novak Djokovic and Andy Murray all reunited as part of Team Europe’s squad.

Two years later, could Nadal take a page from Federer's blueprint?

On Monday, it was announced that Bjorn Borg has used one of his three captains’ picks on Nadal for the seventh edition of the men’s team competition in Berlin—to be staged September 20-22 at Uber Arena.

“I have some really special memories from my Laver Cup experiences, including all the emotions from London two years ago playing alongside Roger for the last time. At this stage in my career, I really want to go out there and make the most of every opportunity I am given,” Nadal said in a statement.

“Teaming up is always an incredible experience and I have always enjoyed it, the competition is different and exciting. I’m looking forward to going to Berlin and helping Team Europe win back the Laver Cup.”

The 22-time Grand Slam title holder has indicated this is likely to be his final season after missing 11 months in 2023 due to a left hip injury and subsequent surgery. Nadal suffered a setback in January during his Brisbane quarterfinal loss, missing an additional three months until returning last week in Barcelona. The 37-year-old won his opener over Flavio Cobolli before exiting at the hands of Alex de Minaur.

At this stage in my career, I really want to go out there and make the most of every opportunity I am given. Rafael Nadal

Nadal has made three prior Laver Cup appearances, contributing to victorious weekends for Team Europe at 2017 Prague and 2019 Geneva. He joins countryman Carlos Alcaraz, 2021 US Open champion Daniil Medvedev and reigning Olympic champion Alexander Zverev in this year’s lineup for Borg, who along with Team World’s John McEnroe, is closing out his captaincy duties.

“Rafa is an absolute legend in our sport, a true champion in every sense of the word. It’s my last year as captain. Having him on Team Europe this year was a goal of mine and I’m thrilled he has accepted my invitation and will be with us in Berlin,” stated Borg.

Alcaraz has previously expressed on multiple occasions that it would be a “dream” to join forces with Nadal—and the left-hander echoed his 20-year-old compatriot’s desire to share the court. The Paris Olympics is an obvious target ahead of Laver Cup if the stars align.

De Minaur, Taylor Fritz and Tommy Paul were revealed as the first set of Team World competitors earlier this month. McEnroe is aiming to go out with a third successive crown after dropping the first four.

Nadal is slated to continue his European clay-court swing at the Mutua Madrid Open. ATP main-draw action begins Wednesday.