Rafael Nadal has announced that he will not participate in next week’s Laver Cup, as he is not yet fit enough to perform at his best. The 38-year-old Spaniard last competed at the Paris Olympics, where he was defeated by Novak Djokovic in the second round. Nadal also did not play in the U.S. Open due to concerns about his physical condition.
He initially set his sights on returning for the Sept. 20-22 Laver Cup in Berlin. In a statement, Nadal expressed his disappointment about missing the event, emphasizing the importance of being able to support Team Europe effectively. He acknowledged that there are other players available who can contribute to the team’s success.
Nadal mentioned fond memories of past Laver Cup experiences and noted his anticipation of being with his teammates, especially with Bjorn Borg in his final year as captain. He wished Team Europe the best of luck and planned to support them from a distance.
Nadal’s last appearance in the Laver Cup was in 2022, where he partnered with Roger Federer during the Swiss legend’s farewell match. Following a series of injuries over the past two years, Nadal, a 22-time Grand Slam champion, has dropped out of the top 150 in the world rankings.