New Delhi: Rafael Nadal withdrew from the upcoming Laver Cup tournament that will be played in Berlin from September 20, casting fresh doubts on his tennis career that he had earlier declared would end in 2024.
The 38-year old has battled several fitness issues in the last two years and also skipped the US Open after representing Spain in Paris Olympics. But he had initially confirmed his presence for Team Europe at the annual competition that will be held at the indoor hard court of the Uber Arena.
Nadal was one of the star attractions of the two-team tournament named after Australian tennis legend Rod Laver.
“I’m really disappointed to share that I won’t be able to compete at the Laver Cup in Berlin next week,” Nadal said in a statement posted on Laver Cup’s official X handle.
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
“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 in his final year as Captain.
“I wish Team Europe the very best of luck and will be cheering them on from afar.”
The tournament organisers have said a replacement player for Team Europe will be announced soon with the team captained by Bjorn Borg has Carlos Alcaraz, Alexander Zverev, Daniil Medvedev, Casper Ruud, and Stefanos Tsitsipas.
Team World will be without Alex de Minaur and Tommy Paul with Francisco Cerundolo and Thanasi Kokkinakis joining the team captained by John McEnroe and has Taylor Fritz, Frances Tiafoe, Ben Shelton, and Alejandro Tabilo.
Rafael Nadal has battled several fitness issues in the last two years and also skipped the US Open after representing Spain in Paris Olympics. Tennis Sports News: Latest Cricket News, Cricket Live Score, Sports Breaking News from Sports Today
