Spanish tennis great Rafael Nadal has pulled out of the 2024 Laver Cup, a decision that has surprised many, including fellow Spaniard and tennis legend Alex Corretja.
Nadal, who has not played competitively since the end of July during the 2024 Olympic Games in Paris, announced on social media that he will not be participating in the Laver Cup, which will take place from September 20-22 in Berlin. His unexpected withdrawal has sparked concern about his ongoing fitness and future in professional tennis.
Nadal, a 22-time Grand Slam champion, was initially slated to make his return to competition at the Laver Cup after opting out of the US Open earlier this year despite being on the entry list. The 38-year-old had been away from the tennis circuit since his appearances at the Paris Olympics, where he reached the second round in singles and made it to the quarter-finals in doubles.
With fans eagerly awaiting his comeback, his decision to skip the prestigious Laver Cup has raised questions about his health and readiness to compete at the highest level once again.
In a social media post, Nadal expressed his disappointment at not being able to participate in the Laver Cup, a competition he has fond memories of. He emphasized that his withdrawal was in the best interest of Team Europe, suggesting that other players would be better suited to help secure a victory.
“I’m really disappointed to share that I won’t be able to compete at the Laver Cup in Berlin next week,” Nadal 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.”
Nadal also reflected on his emotional connection to the tournament, expressing his regret at missing out on an opportunity to play alongside his teammates and be part of Bjorn Borg’s final year as captain of Team Europe.
“I have so many great, emotional memories from playing the 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’s absence has opened the door for Bulgarian tennis star and current World No. 10, Grigor Dimitrov, to step into his place on Team Europe. Dimitrov will join a formidable lineup that includes Alexander Zverev, Carlos Alcaraz, Daniil Medvedev, Casper Ruud, and Stefanos Tsitsipas, making up a strong six-man squad under Borg’s leadership.
The news of Nadal’s withdrawal has sparked a reaction within the tennis world, with many fans and experts speculating about his future.
One notable voice expressing concern was Alex Corretja, the former Spanish tennis player and two-time French Open finalist. Speaking to Eurosport, Corretja admitted he was “really surprised” and “a little alarmed” by Nadal’s decision, considering the Laver Cup’s reputation as a relatively relaxed tournament compared to the rigors of Grand Slam events.
“I was really surprised because I thought the Laver Cup was a more relaxed competition, although once they’re there, the teams always want to win,” Corretja said. “But you can play singles or doubles, and it can be adapted more to what you need.”