Picture Credit: X
22-time Grand Slam champion and one of the legends of the game, Rafael Nadal has pulled out of the upcoming Laver Cup 2024. Nadal, who last featured at the 2024 Paris Olympics in July-August, withdrew from the upcoming tournament due to fitness concerns.
It is to be noted that Nadal did not feature in the recently concluded US Open 2024 as he failed to regain complete fitness. While he was named in the tournament’s official entry list for men’s singles using the injury protected ranking of No. 9, his withdrawal came just days afterwards. “I have decided not to compete at this year’s US Open a place where I have amazing memories,” he had written. “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,” he added.
Laver Cup announces Grigor Dimitrov as Nadal’s replacement
Although, Nadal has been struggling with injuries from past few seasons due to several different injuries. The stalwart expressed his disappointment after pulling out of the upcoming Laver Cup. In a statement released by Laver Cup, Nadal stated, “I regret to announce that won’t be able to participate in the Laver Cup in Berlin next week. As this is a team event, I believe it’s best for Team Europe that I set aside, as others are better positioned to help secure a victory.” “I have wonderful memories from past Laver Cup experiences and was eager to join teammates, especially with it being Bjorn Borg’s final year as captain. I wish Team Europe all the best and will be supporting them from afar,” he further continued.
Notably, the Laver Cup has announced Grigor Dimitrov as Rafael Nadal’s replacement for the tournament, set to be played in September in Berlin. Taking to X, the organisers confirmed this development in a post which read, “Grigor Dimitrov will represent Team Europe in berlin at Laver Cup 2024. Dimitrov replaces Rafael Nadal, who has withdrawn from this year’s competition.”
Rafael Nadal in 2024
In 2024, Nadal has featured in in only seven tournaments, including the French Open and the Olympics. His last appearance came at the 2024 Paris Olympics, where he was knocked out after his second round defeat against Novak Djokovic in the men’s singles competition. Apart from that, French Open was the last Grand Slam he appeared in, where he was defeated in the first round by Zverev.
