Sept 12 (Askume) – Spain’s Rafael Nadal has withdrawn from next week’s Laver Cup over concerns he will not be able to perform at his best as he works back to fitness.
Nadal’s last appearance was at the Paris Olympics, a second-round loss to Novak Djokovic, and the 38-year-old Spaniard also missed the US Open due to health problems.
The 22-time Grand Slam champion said at the time that he was targeting a return at the Laver Cup in Berlin from September 20-22.
“I am extremely disappointed to announce that I will not be able to compete at next week’s Laver Cup in Berlin,” Nadal said in a statement.
“It’s a team game and to really support the European team I have to do my best for them and there are other players who can help the team win at the moment.
“I have many wonderful and poignant memories from my time at the Laver Cup and I look forward to spending time with my teammates and Bjorn in my final year as captain. I wish Team Europe all the best and will be cheering them on from afar.”
Nadal last played in the Laver Cup in 2022, when he played the final match of his career against rival Roger Federer.
Former world number one Nadal has dropped out of the top 150 after struggling with injuries for two years.
