Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal excited about playing together in 2017 Laver cup

Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal are arguably two of the best players ever in Tennis history, with their rivalry one of the biggest in the world. The duo have won a combined 31 Grand Slam titles between them. They have dominated the sport since the turn of the century, leaving a lasting impression on both experts and fans.

Federer and Nadal have faced off 34 times in the past, including 21 tournament finals with the Spaniard holding a 23-11 advantage. For the first time though the pair will not duel against each other, but play with each other as teammates in the Rod Laver tournament that will see Europe take on the world.

The Rod Laver tournament (named after Australian tennis legend Rod Laver) has been planned for September 2017, in a format similar to the Ryder Cup in Golf which see's Europe's best taking on rest of the world.

Europe and Rest of the World will be captained by legendary players Bjorn Borg and John McEnroe, respectively. The tournament will take place in Prague. 12 matches will be played over three days with nine singles and three double games taking place. Teams having six players each, four based on current world rankings and two picked up by the captain, will be announced after the US Open.

Both Nadal and Federer are excited by the turn of events and keen to join forces.

"It's going to be very special to be on the team with Roger. We have been like rivals for all 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", said Rafae Nadal, as quoted by Business Insider.

"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. 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", added Roger Federer.