Rafael Nadal has confirmed he will not compete at the upcoming US Open. The Spaniard may have now played his final Grand Slam after also missing Wimbledon last month – but the Olympics will not be his final ever event despite recent hints.
The Spaniard featured at the Paris Olympics last month, losing in the second round of the singles bracket against eventual gold medallist Novak Djokovic.
Nadal, now 38, also bowed out of the men’s doubles at the quarter-final stage alongside Carlos Alcaraz who was the silver medal winner for Spain in the singles.
The world No.159 was on the entry list for the US Open – which starts August 26 and ends September 8 – via a protected ranking but has now pulled out.
After his Olympics exit, the 22-time Grand Slam champion suggested the Paris tournament might be his final event as a tennis player ahead of his anticipated retirement at the end of 2024. But he has now confirmed that will not be the case.
Nadal said in a statement: “Hi all, writing today is to let you guys 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 lucks to all for the always amazing US Open! My next event will be the Laver Cup in Berlin.”
His decision to play for Team Europe at the Laver Cup follows comments in Paris in which Nadal hinted he may never take to the court as a professional again.
The King of Clay 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.”
But fans of the Spanish legend will be delighted to know they will still get at least one more chance to see him on court in Germany. The 2024 Laver Cup takes place from Friday 20 to Sunday 22 September.
He will once again unite with Alcaraz, as well as Daniil Medvedev, Alexander Zverev, Casper Ruud and Stefanos Tsitsipas, for Bjorn Borg’s team at the Uber Arena in Berlin.
They take on John McEnroe’s Team World comprised of Alex de Minaur, Taylor Fritz, Tommy Paul, Ben Shelton – with two slots still to be filled.
Nadal said when he was announced as part of Team Europe back in April: “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.”
Should Nadal retire after the Laver Cup as expected, he will do so as the man with the second most Grand Slams of all time behind Djokovic (24) with his final ever appearance at a Major coming at his beloved French Open where he is a 14-time champion.
He lost in the first round this year in straight sets against Alexander Zverev back in May. His final ever ATP Tour contest stands to be his Swedish Open final defeat to Nuno Borges in Bastad last month.