Rafael Nadal has withdrawn from the Laver Cup and this decision has only added fuel to the speculations that the 22-time Grand Slam champion is done with pro tennis.
ADVERTISEMENT
For months, fans have wondered if the Spaniard's goal was to compete one last time at the French Open and the Paris Olympics. And after it happened, the former world No. 1 pulled out of the US Open.
However, he remained signed up for the Laver Cup. which starts next Friday. But now, Nadal is also out of the Laver Cup - and with no tournaments confirmed for the remainder of the year - the logical question is if we have seen the last of the 38-year-old.
In his announcement, the Spaniard said he was "disappointed" over being forced to make this decision but said nothing about his future plans.
Nadal's full statement
"Im really disappointed to share that I wont be able to compete at the Laver Cup in Berlin next week. This is a team competition and to really support Team Europe, I need to do whats best for them and at this moment there are other players who can help the team deliver the win. 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. I wish Team Europe the very best of luck and will be cheering them on from afar," Nadal said.
ADVERTISEMENT
With the 22-time Grand Slam out, Team Europe now has Alexander Zverev, Carlos Alcaraz, Daniil Medvedev, Casper Ruud and Stefanos Tsitsipas on the roster. In the next few days, the team will likely announce the Spaniard's replacement.
Meanwhile, the 38-year-old Spaniard saw his Olympic campaign come to an end with a second-round loss to Novak Djokovic while he also got bounced in the doubles event with Carlos Alcaraz in the quarterfinal stage.
