Rafael Nadal has announced he will not participate in this month’s Laver Cup, expressing his belief that there are “other players who can help the team deliver the win” for Team Europe. The 38-year-old Spaniard has been sidelined since his defeat with Carlos Alcaraz in the men’s doubles quarter-finals at the Paris Olympics in August.
Nadal, a 22-time Grand Slam singles champion, did not specify any injury or health concerns but has previously mentioned that 2024 would be his final season.
“I’m really disappointed to share that I won’t be able to compete at the Laver Cup in Berlin next week,” Nadal stated. “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.”
The Laver Cup, which features matches between Team Europe and Team World, begins in Berlin on September 20.
Nadal had hoped to play a full schedule in 2024 but participated in only one of the four Grand Slam tournaments, the French Open, where he was eliminated in the first round by Alexander Zverev. After skipping Wimbledon to focus on the Olympics, Nadal struggled with a thigh issue in Paris and was defeated in the second round of the men’s singles by eventual gold medalist Novak Djokovic.
“I have so many great, emotional memories from playing Laver Cup and I was really looking forward to being with my teammates and with Bjorn in his final year as captain,” Nadal added. He has made three previous appearances at the Laver Cup.
“I wish Team Europe the very best of luck and will be cheering them on from afar,” he concluded.
