Rafael Nadal withdrew from this month’s Laver Cup tournament, stating that there are other athletes who can help Team Europe achieve success.
The 38-year-old Spaniard hasn’t competed since losing to fellow countryman Carlos Alcaraz in the men’s doubles quarter-finals of the August Olympics in Paris. The veteran athlete did not talk about any injuries or health issues, but he has already stated that 2024 will be his final season.
Starting on September 20, Berlin will host the Laver Cup between Team Europe and Team World. Nadal had made three Laver Cup appearances in his athletic career.
With this news, he admitted: “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 moment there are other players who can help the team deliver the win.”
He added: “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.”
Nadal only participated in one of the four majors, the French Open, where he was defeated in the opening round by Alexander Zverev. Following his withdrawal from Wimbledon in order to concentrate on the Olympics, Rafael Nadal was hindered by a thigh issue in Paris and lost to gold medallist Novak Djokovic in the men’s singles second round.
Source: BBC