By Jude Obafemi
Rafael Nadal has announced his withdrawal from the upcoming US Open tennis tournament. The 38-year-old Spanish player made the decision public on Wednesday through a post on X.
In his statement, Nadal explained that he does not feel capable of performing at his best level for the tournament. “I do not think I would be able to give my 100 per cent this time”, the tennis star wrote, indicating his concerns about his current form and fitness.
The four-time US Open champion’s absence from the prestigious event will be a significant loss for both fans and organisers. Nadal’s last appearance at the US Open was in 2022, where he reached the fourth round before being eliminated by Frances Tiafoe.
Looking ahead, Nadal revealed that his next competitive appearance will be at the Laver Cup in Berlin, scheduled for next month. This team event, which pits European players against a World team, will be the 22-time Grand Slam champion’s attempt at not calling time on his career.
Still, Nadal’s decision to skip the US Open raises questions about his future in the sport, particularly given his age and recent injury struggles. However, his commitment to participating in the Laver Cup suggests that the Spanish star is not yet ready to hang up his racket permanently.
Jude Obafemi is a versatile senior Correspondent at THEWILL Newspapers, excelling in sourcing, researching, and delivering sports news stories for both print and digital publications.
