"I saw all my heroes on one court crying" - Casper Ruud reminisces Roger Federer's retirement ahead of Laver Cup

Casper Ruud is gearing up for his latest Laver Cup campaign as he looks to aid Team Europe's quest in getting their title back. He was involved in 2022 when Roger Federer culminated his glittering tennis career, as he recalled the emotional scenes that occurred.

The three-time Grand Slam champion was the highest-ranked player in that edition. His form in recent years has not been as great, with him not being able to challenge for the big titles like he used to, but that does not mean he is not a huge threat.

The Norwegian first competed in the Laver Cup back in 2021 and has been involved in every one since. His experience on the team will be crucial with ambitions to snatch the bragging rights back from Team World.

In the last four years, Team World had won three of the four editions in that time. That includes last year when they overturned an early deficit to win 15-9 in San Francisco. They also prevailed in 2022 for the first time, taking some of the limelight away from Federer's imminent and emotional departure from tennis.

Ruud spoke to the media before the event, reminiscing on the 2022 campaign which was dominated by Federer. He teamed up with Rafael Nadal to play in the doubles on day one before gracefully bowing out of the sport.

“Yeah, it feels special,” he said. “When I came to the arena on Tuesday and had my first practice, I remember when I came on court four years ago, we were there watching Roger have his ceremony and held his speech. His family was around. I think everyone in the stadium was trying to hold back the tears but couldn’t, including myself and all the players involved."

The emotional scenes have been etched deep into Ruud's memory. “I saw all my heroes on one court crying, in tears, because one of the legends was retiring, so hard to describe in words how emotional it was, but yeah, it also leaves a little bit of motivation to add a little bit, avenge the loss that we had in 2022, and we’re back here. Maybe we can try to win for Roger this time in the O2.”

There were loads of noticeable tennis names watching on. Nadal had the honour of sharing the court with his former nemesis as they lost to Frances Tiafoe and Jack Sock. Novak Djokovic and Andy Murray watched on for one final time.

It was not the result Team Europe would have hoped for, as Team World finally got on the board at the fifth time of asking. While Team Europe boasts a stronger pool of names to choose from, Team World have been holding their own in recent times.

Carlos Alcaraz and Alexander Zverev headline with Flavio Cobolli, Rafael Jodar, Jakub Mensik and Ruud all determined to seal the title. Team World cannot call upon Ben Shelton anymore but will challenge for glory with Alex de Minaur, Taylor Fritz, Learner Tien, Brandon Nakashima, Alexander Bublik and Francisco Cerundolo.

Rudd is first up on day one, taking on Cerundolo. At his best, Ruud can still compete with the top players in the world. He won the Madrid Open last year while reaching the final of the Rome Open a few months ago. Injury prevented him from competing at the US Open in a bitter blow, but he is back and raring to go ahead off the Laver Cup and the rest of the year.