Rafael Nadal announced his withdrawal from the U.S. Open on Wednesday, marking the third Grand Slam tournament he has missed this year. At age 38, this decision raises further questions about his future in tennis.
Nadal’s announcement on social media was anticipated. Despite being listed on the official entry list for New York released last month, it was more of a formality. He could withdraw at any point before the competition begins on August 26.
Nadal hinted at this decision last week following his participation in the 2024 Olympics for Spain, where he lost in the doubles quarterfinals with Carlos Alcaraz. He also lost in the second round of singles to Novak Djokovic, who went on to win the men’s gold medal.
When asked about his plans for the U.S. Open, Nadal responded, “Looks like not. But I’m going to let you know soon,” he said. “For me, now, I can’t give you a clear answer. I need some time, but for me, (it) looks difficult.”
Though he has not announced retirement, Nadal’s recent history of injuries, including hip surgery in 2023 and abdominal muscle issues in 2024, suggests his career may be nearing its end. He has limited his matches over the past two seasons.
Nadal is a four-time U.S. Open champion, with titles in 2010, 2013, 2017, and 2019. However, this year’s absence means he has missed the hard-court tournament in four of the last five years, with the exception of 2022 when he lost in the fourth round to Frances Tiafoe.
In 2023, Nadal injured his hip during the Australian Open in January, causing him to miss the French Open, Wimbledon, and the U.S. Open. This year, he injured a muscle near his hip before the Australian Open, leading him to skip it. He played in the French Open in May but lost in the first round to Alexander Zverev. Nadal skipped Wimbledon last month to avoid the transition from clay to grass before returning to clay for the Olympics.
Nadal holds a record 14 titles from the French Open and two titles each from Wimbledon and the Australian Open. His most recent Grand Slam victories were in 2022, winning in Melbourne in January and Paris in June, bringing his total to 22 Grand Slam titles, surpassing Roger Federer’s then-record of 20.
Federer retired at 41 at the end of the 2022 season, shortly before teaming with Nadal in a doubles match at the Laver Cup. Both Nadal and Federer have since been surpassed by Djokovic, who reached 24 Grand Slam titles by winning last year’s U.S. Open.
The draw for the 2024 U.S. Open is scheduled for August 22.
