‘Very disappointed’ Rafael Nadal withdraws from Laver Cup

Rafael Nadal withdrew from next week’s Laver Cup on Thursday because he will not be able to play at his best in his battle to regain full fitness, the Spaniard said.

Nadal last played at the Paris Olympics, where he lost in the second round to Novak Djokovic. However, the 38-year-old Spaniard skipped the US Open due to concerns about his fitness.

The 22-time Grand Slam winner said at the time that he was aiming for a return to the Laver Cup in Berlin from September 20-22.

“I am very disappointed that I will not be able to participate in the Laver Cup in Berlin next week,” Nadal said in a statement.

“This is a team competition and to really support Team Europe I have to do what is best for them. At the moment there are other players who can help the team to victory.

“I have so many great, emotional memories of playing in the Laver Cup and I was really looking forward to being with my teammates and Bjorn in his final year as captain. I wish Team Europe the best of luck and will be cheering them on from afar.”

Nadal last played at the Laver Cup in 2022, when he partnered rival Roger Federer in the Swiss great’s final match.

Nadal, former world number 1, has fallen out of the top 150 of the rankings due to two years of injury.