Rafael Nadal has not competed since losing in the Olympics alongside compatriot Carlos Alcaraz. It was expected that the Spaniard would return for the Laver Cup, having skipped the US Open. But the 38-year-old has confirmed on social media that he will not be competing in Berlin next week. “I wish Team Europe the very best of luck and will be cheering them on from afar,” Nadal said.
Rafael Nadal has announced that he will not compete for Team Europe at the Laver Cup in Berlin.
It was expected that the 38-year-old would make his return to action at next week’s tournament, which is live on Eurosport and discovery+, after announcing his withdrawal from the US Open in August.
Nadal did not mention a reason for pulling out of the competition in the German capital, instead simply stating that “there are other players who can help the team deliver the win.”
The Spaniard posted a statement on social media, saying that he was taking the decision for the benefit of the team.
His statement read: “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.
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It has not yet been announced who will replace Nadal and join Alexander Zverev, Carlos Alcaraz, Daniil Medvedev, Casper Ruud and Stefanos Tsitsipas in Bjorn Borg’s squad.
The legendary Swedish tennis star is captaining Team Europe at his last Laver Cup, having done so since its inception in 2017.
Yannick Noah, winner of the 1983 French Open, will pick up the reins from 2025.
Nadal was a participant in the inaugural edition seven years ago, beating Jack Sock as Team Europe claimed a 15-9 victory.
And Roger Federer officially hung up his racquet after he and Nadal were defeated in the doubles at the 2022 Laver Cup.
Nadal’s statement continued: “I have so many great, emotional memories from playing Laver Cup and I was really looking forward to being with my team-mates 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.”
The news will accelerate speculation that retirement could be imminent for the Spaniard, who was unsure of his future following his exit from the men’s doubles at the Paris 2024 Olympic Games.
After being knocked out in the quarter-finals alongside Alcaraz, Nadal said he “enjoyed” the experience if that was his final competitive match.
“If this was the last time, it was an unforgettable feeling and emotion,” Nadai said in August. “They gave me the love and support every single second and it’s super, super special to feel that.
“I don’t know what’s going to happen in the future, but if that’s the last time I enjoyed it.”
