Rafael Nadal has officially announced that he will not compete in the upcoming US Open, sparking speculation that his illustrious Grand Slam career may have come to an end. After also missing Wimbledon last month, the Spaniard’s decision adds to the uncertainty about his future in tennis, although he has clarified that the Olympics will not be his final event, despite recent suggestions to the contrary.
Nadal, 38, participated in the Paris Olympics last month, where he was eliminated in the second round of the singles tournament by eventual gold medalist Novak Djokovic. In the men’s doubles, Nadal, alongside Carlos Alcaraz—who went on to win a silver medal in the singles—was knocked out in the quarter-finals.
Despite being on the entry list for the US Open, which runs from August 26 to September 8, through a protected ranking, the world No. 159 has decided to withdraw. Following his exit from the Olympics, the 22-time Grand Slam champion hinted that Paris might have been his final tournament before retiring at the end of 2024. However, he has now confirmed that this will not be the case. In a statement, Nadal said:
“Hi all, writing today to let you know that I have decided not to compete at this year’s US Open, a place where I have amazing memories. I will miss those electric and special night sessions in NYC at Ashe, but I don’t think I would be able to give my 100 per cent this time. Thanks to all my US fans in particular, will miss you all and will see you another time. Best of luck to all for the always amazing US Open! My next event will be the Laver Cup in Berlin.”
Nadal’s decision to play for Team Europe at the Laver Cup follows comments he made in Paris, where he hinted that his professional career might be nearing its end.
Reflecting on his Olympic experience, Nadal said, “It is time to rest, to take some time and in a few days to assess everything that has happened during these months and to figure out what I really want. The event is different from the circuit and I have enjoyed it as much as I could. It has been a fun, positive week; it has not ended the way I wanted, but this is sport. I have not been at the level I needed to fight for medals, and in the doubles, we have not been successful.”
Fans of the Spanish legend will be thrilled to learn that they still have at least one more opportunity to see him in action in Germany. The 2024 Laver Cup is scheduled from Friday, September 20, to Sunday, September 22.
Nadal will once again team up with Alcaraz, along with Daniil Medvedev, Alexander Zverev, Casper Ruud, and Stefanos Tsitsipas, as part of Bjorn Borg’s Team Europe at the Uber Arena in Berlin. They will face John McEnroe’s Team World, which includes players like Alex de Minaur, Taylor Fritz, Tommy Paul, and Ben Shelton, with two more spots yet to be filled.
When Nadal was announced as a member of Team Europe back in April, he expressed his excitement, saying, “I have some really special memories from my Laver Cup experiences, including all the emotions from London two years ago playing alongside Roger for the last time. At this stage in my career, I really want to go out there and make the most of every opportunity I am given. Teaming up is always an incredible experience, and I have always enjoyed it. The competition is different and exciting. I’m looking forward to going to Berlin and helping Team Europe win back the Laver Cup.”
If Nadal retires after the Laver Cup as anticipated, he will do so with 22 Grand Slam titles, the second most in history, just behind Novak Djokovic’s 24. His final appearance at a Major was at the French Open, where he has been a 14-time champion. Unfortunately, he lost in the first round this year in straight sets to Alexander Zverev in May. His last ATP Tour match was a final defeat to Nuno Borges at the Swedish Open in Bastad last month
