Rafael Nadal has withdrawn from the Laver Cup in Berlin after missing last month’s US Open.
Nadal has not played since reaching the quarter-finals of the men’s doubles at the Paris 2024 Olympics.
Rafael Nadal has withdrawn from next week’s Laver Cup in Berlin, raising questions about when the Spanish legend will play next.
The Laver Cup, in which Roger Federer retired in 2022 after partnering with Nadal in doubles, would have been Nadal’s first event after the Paris Olympics, and maybe one of his last.
“I’m really disappointed to share that I won’t be able to compete at the Laver Cup in Berlin next week,” the 38-year-old Nadal stated.
“This is a team competition, and in order to truly support Team Europe, I must do what is best for them, and there are other players that can assist the team in achieving victory right now.
“I have so many amazing, emotional memories from playing Laver Cup, and I was really looking forward to spending time with my teammates and Bjorn (Borg) in his final year as captain.
“I wish Team Europe the very best of luck and will be cheering them on from afar.”
The 22-time Grand Slam champion declined to discuss his present health following a string of injuries in recent years, or when he may play again.
Nadal withdrew from the US Open last month, missing three of the four Grand Slam events in 2024.
He last competed in the men’s doubles at the Paris 2024 Olympics, reaching the quarterfinals with Carlos Alcaraz.
Nadal’s last singles debut was in Paris, when he lost in the second round to eventual gold medalist Novak Djokovic.