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At the Laver Cup gala, Novak Djokovic introduced Team Europe teammate Rafael Nadal ahead of the tournament.
At the Laver Cup gala, Novak Djokovic introduced Team Europe teammate Rafael Nadal ahead of the tournament.Julian FinneyGetty

Tennis

Djokovic on Nadal: “His favorite breakfast is clay”

At the Laver Cup gala, Novak Djokovic introduced Team Europe teammate Rafael Nadal ahead of the tournament.

A lovely tradition of the Laver Cup is the gala dinner, at which the players introduce their teammates. This year, for Team Europe, Novak Djokovic introduced Rafael Nadal.

“I have the honor to introduce the next guy who has inspired millions around the world with his perseverance , resilience, and fighting spirit - someone that I have fortunately shared the stage with for many years,” started Djokovic.

And someone who’s favorite breakfast is clay. He never shares that breakfast with anybody. I wish that he could have played more flat forehands, but it’s not happening,” Djokovic (half) joked.

While Djokovic’s presentation of Nadal was cute and funny, Nadal’s introduction to Roger Federer was sweet and nostalgic. Federer will play his last tournament at the Laver Cup before retiring from professional tennis. Nadal and Federer will play the doubles together to end the Swiss legend’s career.

“Probably one of the most iconic athletes in the history. If we talk about perfection on the tennis court, it’s him. An amazing inspiration for everyone who loves sport and in a personal way, a great friend. Somebody that I look up to improve in every single way,” Nadal said. “This weekend is probably going to be one of the toughest moments.”