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“I’m happy I went back right away to some tournaments,” the 43-year-old told reporters.

“I feel I ripped the bandaid off quite quickly and when I walk around the tennis sites I still feel I belong there.

“I don’t feel like an alien, which is a good thing because you can feel like that very quickly.

“People (and) players ask you ‘what are you doing here?’ and you’re like ‘exactly – if you keep talking like this, I will never come back’.”

He continued, “I’m happy I’m still able to feel comfortable in a setting like this because it would be so much easier just to stay home, get comfortable at home and realise you don’t need to be on tour anymore.”

“With Rafa we don’t know – it remains to be seen. It’s hard for me to make a prediction on Rafa because of the little tennis he has played this year.

“Novak, winning the Olympics and playing somewhat let’s say a full season – he didn’t bow out because of injuries, he chose to play less which is normal when you get a bit older. I feel like he has chances moving forward.

“I look forward to Australia which is the next Slam; I think he’s definitely going to be one of the favourites along with Sinner and Alvarez; I think the Australian Open story will be a very cool one to follow.”

Nadal withdrew from the Laver Cup due to an injury. However, his fellow Spaniard Alcaraz will participate as a member of Team Europe, competing against Team World. German player Alexander Zverev will also represent Team Europe.

Federer commented on Zverev’s Grand Slam prospects, stating that he was “so close” to securing his first major title. The tennis legend advised that Zverev needs to adopt a more aggressive approach during critical moments in matches.

“I see someone who’s playing much too passively, much too defensively when it matters the most,” he said.

“I think (Zverev) has to remind himself to try to not be too passive and then I think honestly something really great can happen for him.”

Team Europe claimed victory in the first four Laver Cup events, beginning in 2017. However, Team World has emerged triumphant in the last two competitions.

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EA Sports has once again brought football and music together by unveiling the soundtrack for the 25th edition of EA Football Club. This year, Afrobeats takes centre stage. Nigerian music sensations Rema, Shallipopi, and Omah Lay feature alongside a global lineup of artists. The highly anticipated football video game will launch on September 27, 2024.

Rema’s hit single “Benin Boys,” which features Shallipopi and Omah Lay’s chart-topping track “Moving,” are among the highlights of this year’s soundtrack. These tracks show the expanding global influence of African music, particularly Afrobeats, in the world of sports entertainment.

This year marks Rema’s second appearance on the EA Football Club soundtrack. He first featured on FIFA 21’s VOLTA Football soundtrack with his track “Beamer.” That soundtrack also included notable Nigerian artists such as Fireboy DML, Burna Boy, Ms. Banks, and Nnena.

Joining the Afrobeats representation is UK-based Nigerian artist Obongjayar, whose 2022 hit “Tomorrow Man” also features on the game’s extensive tracklist.

In total, the soundtrack boasts over 100 songs. It brings together an eclectic mix of international talent. British artist Self Esteem contributes with her song “Big Man.” The song features South African singer Moonchild Sanelly, while Gambian-British rapper Pa Salieu’s track “Allergy” adds another layer of diversity.

British-Nigerian jazz collective Ezra Collective also makes an appearance with their vibrant track “God Gave Me Feet for Dancing.” The song features the soulful vocals of Yazmin Lacey.

This diverse and culturally rich soundtrack underscores EA Sports’ commitment to blending football and music. Also, it highlights the growing impact of African artists on the global stage.

 

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