Brisbane and doubles with Federer at Laver Cup on Nadal’s 2017 schedule

Although the following season should really be put on the back burner until after the U.S. Open, a flurry of announcements on Wednesday involving Rafael Nadal temporarily thrust 2017 into the headlines. Not only will the Spaniard make his debut at the Brisbane International, but he will also play doubles with Roger Federer at the inaugural Laver Cup.

“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,” said Nadal, who has usually begun each year in Doha. “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,” noted tournament director Geoff Quinlan. “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 2017 will also provide a treat for tennis fans. That is when the first installment of the Laver Cup will be held in Prague, Czech Republic. The annual three-day event will pit players from Europe against a team from the rest of the world. Bjorn Borg and John McEnroe will be the two captains for at least the first three seasons.

Team Europe already knows it has a dynamic doubles duo on its hands 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 commented. “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 added. “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.”