Rafael Nadal has made it clear that he is in no rush to plan his retirement and is eagerly anticipating his participation in the 2024 Laver Cup, set to take place from September 20-22. Despite missing the 2024 Australian Open and Wimbledon, and struggling at the French Open and Paris Olympics, Nadal remains focused on his career.
Nadal suffered a hip injury during the 2023 Australian Open, which forced him to withdraw from the French Open, Wimbledon, and the US Open that year. Although he returned to compete in the 2024 French Open, he was unable to progress beyond the first round, losing to Alexander Zverev. He also fell short of earning a podium spot at the 2024 Paris Olympics in both singles and doubles.
These recent performances have led to speculation about Nadal’s future, but the 38-year-old insists he’s not ready to retire. He recently confirmed his plans to compete in the 2024 Laver Cup, stating, “I’m not in a hurry to make a decision about my future. What is certain is that I will be in the Laver Cup, and then we will see” (via Marca).
In his fourth Laver Cup appearance, the 22-time Grand Slam champion will join forces with Carlos Alcaraz, Casper Ruud, Alexander Zverev, Daniil Medvedev, and Stefanos Tsitsipas.
During the 2024 Paris Olympics, Nadal lost to World No. 2 Novak Djokovic 1-6, 4-6. Reflecting on his career, Nadal said, “I can’t spend all day thinking about [retirement]. I come here, and you ask me the same thing every day, and in the end, it’s very difficult to get back to my best form if I think about whether I’m going to retire or not,” (via Marca).
In an earlier announcement, Nadal revealed his decision to skip the 2024 US Open, stating, “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% this time.”
Nadal has won the US Open four times, first in 2010, and then again in 2013, 2017, and 2019. His illustrious career also includes 14 French Open titles, and two each at Wimbledon and the Australian Open.
