Rafael Nadal’s wait to return to tennis has been prolonged even more after he announced his withdrawal from the upcoming 2024 Laver Cup. The Spaniard was set to appear in the seventh edition of the exhibition tournament after nearly two months away from action.

Nadal last played at the Paris Olympics and skipped the 2024 US Open, stating he had not achieved full fitness and level to compete in a Grand Slam. He also assured fans that they would see him compete at the 2024 Laver Cup, which will be played at the Uber Arena in Berlin, Germany, from September 20 to 22.

However, the tournament’s official social media pages announced on September 12 that the former World No. 1 has withdrawn from the competition. Nadal expressed disappointment at his decision but felt the need to do what’s best for Team Europe and step aside for a player who is more in form than him.

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.

The Spaniard has now given more insights behind his decision not to participate in the Laver Cup, stating that his main goal was to play at the 2024 Paris Olympics and not set any goals after that. He is currently focusing on taking proper rest and enjoying time with friends and family while getting in as much practice time as possible.

Nadal added that part of his reasoning for withdrawing from the Laver Cup was to allow Team Europe to pick a more active player on the tour to compete instead of him.

“I’m not in a position to set any goals right now. I said I would play until the 2024 Paris Olympics and then we’d see, and I’m in that time of rest. Mentally, I’m fine. No problems. I’m at home enjoying other things and training as much as I can every day,” the Spaniard said during the inauguration of Espacio Movistar in Madrid.

“These are decisions that are being made and it was a possibility. I have not competed for a while. There will be another player who will do better.”

Rafael Nadal becomes third player to withdraw from Laver Cup 2024

Rafael Nadal was set to headline Team Europe at the 2024 Laver Cup alongside Carlos Alcaraz, Daniil Medvedev, Alexander Zverev, Casper Ruud, and Stefanos Tsitsipas under the captaincy of Swedish legend Bjorn Borg. However, he has become the third player to withdraw from the competition just days before the main action.

The other two withdrawals so far have come from Team World, as Alex de Minaur and Tommy Paul have pulled out of the tournament due to injuries. They have been replaced by Argentine No. 2 Francisco Cerundolo and Australian star Thanasi Kokkinakis, who will join Taylor Fritz, Frances Tiafoe, Ben Shelton, and Alejandro Tabilo on Team World.

With his withdrawal from the 2024 Laver Cup, Rafael Nadal has further fueled the speculation about his retirement. While the 38-year-old has often hinted that 2024 will be his last year as a professional tennis player, he has not given a definite timeline for his retirement.