Roger Federer, Andy Murray, Novak Djokovic and Rafael Nadal have all played out an intense rivalry with one another on the court over the last decade and beyond, with a simply ridiculous amount of Grand Slam titles between them.

Last week, Federer decided the time was right to hang up his racket in terms of professional tennis, with this week’s Laver Cup his final swansong before bowing out of the sport that has made him a global superstar.

It’s an incredibly sad time in the sport, with Serena Williams deciding to retire recently as well, it really is the end of an era in the sport. Especially with Nadal and Murray slipping down the rankings after injury issues.

The Big Four

Federer, Murray, Djokovic and Nadal have been the standard bearers for professional tennis for as long as we can remember, with the four a four-midable (if you pardon the pun) force in the sport.

However, it is the end of an era, as we won’t see the rivalry continue between the four given the latest retirements and injuries, it really is a sad time for tennis fans everywhere.

LONDON, ENGLAND - SEPTEMBER 21: Andy Murray and Roger Federer of Team Europe smiles ahead of the Laver Cup at The O2 Arena on September 21, 2022 in London, England. (Photo by Cameron Smith/Getty Images for Laver Cup)

However, thankfully for us, the quad are all on court together at the moment with the Laver Cup seeing all four compete in London.

Federer and Nadal vs Murray and Djokovic

Whilst warming up in front of the fans for the Laver Cup, all four really did put on a show, taking each other on in a training session, with Federer teaming up with Nadal and Murray forming an allegiance with Djokovic.

It’s a shame that the match-up only happened in a practice session, but we won’t complain, seeing the four go head-to-head, even in a casual setting, it’s the stuff of dreams for tennis fans.

Video: An incredible point from the practice knock has surfaced on Twitter

Hopefully we’ll get to see a genuine match between the four, even if it is at an exhibition somewhere, a full five setter between the four would be incredible viewing.

Video: The highlights of the training session can be seen below

Now that was incredible viewing wasn’t it? What we’d do to see more of this on a more regular basis! That point shown above sums up the immense amount of talent on show from the four and just how good they are.

It’s likely we’ll never see anything like this again, so we just have to soak it all in and enjoy these incredible moments whilst we still can.

I for one am not ready for Roger Federer’s last match!