Rafael Nadal has pulled out of the 2024 Laver Cup, adding to the speculation about when he might retire. Despite repeated hints that this could be his final season on the ATP Tour, he has yet to make any definitive statements.
In August, Nadal withdrew from the US Open, citing that he wasn’t in top form and couldn’t give his full effort. He also announced that his next event would be the seventh edition of the Laver Cup, set to take place in Berlin, Germany, from September 20-22.
The Spaniard was set to be a part of Team Europe alongside Carlos Alcaraz, Daniil Medvedev, Alexander Zverev, Casper Ruud, and Stefanos Tsitsipas, under the captaincy of Bjorn Borg. Rumors had circulated that he might follow in his arch-rival Roger Federer’s footsteps by retiring at the event, but that’s not going to happen.
On September 11, the official Instagram account of the Laver Cup shared a statement from Rafael Nadal. The 22-time Grand Slam champion expressed his disappointment at not being able to compete but assured fans that he would be cheering for the team from afar.
“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 said.
“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,” he added.
Rafael Nadal: “My objectives for the year are over and I haven’t achieved what I would have liked to”
During an appearance on the Spanish television program El Hormiguero earlier in September, Rafael Nadal addressed the topic of his retirement, saying that he needed more time before making any final decisions.
“Let me take my time to make my decision. When I have made up my mind, I will say so,” he said.
The 38-year-old then reflected on his 2024 season, admitting that he failed to achieve his objectives for the year and currently has no new goals to pursue moving forward.
“My objectives for the year are over and I haven’t achieved what I would have liked to. I train every day and I enjoy other things in life,” he said.
This has been one of the most challenging seasons of Nadal’s career. After a year-long break from the Tour due to a hip injury, he returned to play in just six tournaments, including a single Grand Slam at the French Open. Despite his efforts, he faced early exits in all but the Nordea Open, where he reached the final before losing to Nuno Borges.
