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Rafael Nadal has announced his withdrawal from the upcoming Laver Cup, which is set to take place in Berlin from September 20-22. The decision comes as the Spanish tennis star continues to recover from fitness issues, having last competed at the Paris Olympics where he was eliminated in the second round by Novak Djokovic. His concerns over his physical condition also forced him to miss the recent US Open.
In a statement released on Thursday, Nadal expressed his disappointment about not being able to participate, emphasizing the importance of supporting Team Europe in a way that aligns with the team’s best interests. “I’m really disappointed to share that I won’t be able to compete at the Laver Cup in Berlin,” he 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.”
Nadal also reflected on his fond memories of previous Laver Cup events and expressed a desire to be part of the team, particularly during Björn Borg’s final year as captain. “I have so many great, emotional memories from playing Laver Cup and I was really looking forward to being with my teammates,” he added. He concluded by wishing Team Europe the best of luck and stated he would be cheering for them from a distance.
The last time Nadal participated in the Laver Cup was in 2022, a significant event where he partnered with Roger Federer in what was the Swiss legend’s farewell match. This highlights the magnitude of the event, not only for the players but for their fans as well. As a former world No. 1, Nadal’s recent struggles with injuries have seen him fall outside the top 150 in the ATP rankings, underscoring the ongoing challenges he faces in returning to competitive form.
Source
www.theguardian.com