22-time Grand Slam winner Rafael Nadal will not compete in this year’s Laver Cup, which begins next week in Berlin, as the Spaniard has pulled out, citing fitness issues as his reason, Afrosport reports.
The 38-year-old on Thursday said he would not be able to play at his best, conceding that “there are other players who can help the team deliver the win”.
Nadal’s last appearance was at this summer’s Paris 2024 Olympics, where he lost in the second round to Serbian and long-time rival Novak Djokovic.
The four-time US Open champion was also absent at Flushing Meadows this year due to concerns about his fitness. At the time, Nadal announced that he was hoping to make a return at the Laver Cup, which begins on Friday, September 20 and ends on Sunday, September 22.
“I’m really disappointed to share that I won’t be able to compete at the Laver Cup in Berlin next week,” the tennis legend said.
“This is a team competition and to really support Team Europe, I need to do what’s best for them and at this moment there are other players who can help the team deliver the win.
“I have so many great, emotional memories from playing Laver Cup and I was really looking forward to being with my teammates and with Bjorn [Borg] in his final year as Captain.
“I wish Team Europe the very best of luck and will be cheering them on from afar.” Nadal concluded.
A statement from @RafaelNadal regarding Laver Cup Berlin 2024: “I’m really disappointed to share that I won’t be able to compete at the Laver Cup in Berlin next week.
This is a team competition and to really support Team Europe, I need to do what’s best for them and at this… pic.twitter.com/Y9i0T61kbA
— Laver Cup (@LaverCup) September 12, 2024
The Spaniard hasn’t played at the Laver Cup since 2022, when he and rival Roger Federer teamed up in the latter’s final career game, which was filled with emotions from the two greats.
It is left to see what decision Nadal will take next as his recurring fitness concerns have forced him out of the top 150 ranking in men’s tennis.
