Following his third appearance at the Paris Olympics, former world number one Rafael Nadal announced Wednesday his withdrawal from the fourth Grand Slam of the season, the US Open, staged in New York, late in August.
On Wednesday, 22-time major champion Rafael Nadal took to his X official account to announce his withdrawal from the US Open, staged in Flushing Meadows, New York, from August 26 to September 8.
“I have decided not to compete at this year’s US Open, a place where I have amazing memories,” he said. “I will miss those electric and special night sessions in NYC at Ashe, but I don’t think I would be able to give my 100% this time.”
“Thanks to all my U.S. fans in particular, [I] will miss you all and will see you another time.”
Hi all, writing today to let you guys know that I have decided not to compete at this years US Open a place where I have amazing memories.
— Rafa Nadal (@RafaelNadal) August 7, 2024
I will miss those electric and special night sessions in NYC at Ashe, but I dont think I would be able to give my 100% this time.
Thanks pic.twitter.com/FluGRWUzIp
The two-time gold medalist made his last career appearance at the Paris Olympics last July, playing doubles alongside Olympic silver medalist at the Games, Carlos Alcaraz, in the quarterfinals. The duo lost to Austin Krajicek and Rajeev Ram on Court Philippe-Chatrier.
In singles, the 38-year-old advanced to the second round, falling to eventual Olympic gold medalist Novak Djokovic in straight sets.
While practicing at Roland-Garros, the King of Clay experienced a setback due to a thigh issue, which saw him playing all his matches with his upper right leg taped.
Following the four-time US Open champion announcement, Tournament Director Stacey Allaster issued a statement.
“Rafa is a tremendous champion, and he will be missed during the 2024 US Open by the fans and all those associated with the tournament. We wish him all the best and look forward to having him back at the USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center.”
World No. 93 Mackenzie McDonald steps up to the main draw following the Spaniard withdrawal.
Nadal added he expects to play in the Laver Cup as part of captain Bjorn Borg’s Team Europe.
At the event held at the Uber Arena in Berlin, Germany, later in September, he would join countryman Alcaraz, good friend, and Norway’s top racquet Casper Ruud, German Alexander Zverev, World No. 5 Daniil Medvedev, and Greek Stefanos Tsitsipas.
Meanwhile, defending champions Team World, led by John McEnroe, will be represented by Americans Tommy Paul, Taylor Fritz, and Ben Shelton, and Australian Alex de Minaur with two spots yet available and to be announced.
Laver Cup
Each team features six players, all competing in one singles match during the first two days and no more than two during the three-day competition.
As part of the rules in place, at least four of the six players must play doubles.
Moreover, each match victory is worth one point on Friday, two points on Saturday, and three points on Sunday; the first team to reach 13 points takes the Laver Cup.
