Rafael Nadal has pulled out of the final Grand Slam of the year, the US Open at Flushing Meadows; Nadal has not announced his retirement from tennis; watch the US Open live on Sky Sports from August 26 to September 8
Thursday 8 August 2024 10:17, UK
Rafael Nadal has withdrawn from the US Open, a week after reaching the quarter-finals of the men's doubles at the Olympics with Carlos Alcaraz.
Nadal, who has not announced his retirement, will play at the Laver Cup in September but not the final Grand Slam of the year, the US Open - live on Sky Sports from August 26 to September 8.
The Spaniard is a four-time champion at Flushing Meadows but has only played once there since he last won the title in 2019.
"Hi all, writing today to let you guys know that I have decided not to compete at this year's US Open a place where I have amazing memories," wrote Nadal on X.
"I will miss those electric and special night sessions in NYC at Ashe, but I don't think I would be able to give my 100% this time.
"Thanks to all my US Fans in particular, will miss you all and will see you another time. Best of lucks to all for the always amazing US Open! My next event will be the Laver Cup in Berlin."
Nadal missed nearly all of the 2023 season but returned in January, only to pull out of the Australian Open in the middle of that month.
He returned for the clay season but lost in the first round of the French Open to Alexander Zverev in May.
The 22-time Grand Slam champion opted to skip Wimbledon to focus on the Paris Olympics, which was also held at Roland Garros, where he's won a record 14 French open titles.
He lost in the second round to Novak Djokovic in the men's singles and reached the quarter-finals of the men's doubles with Alcaraz last week.
Sky Sports' Nigel Chiu:
"Nadal hasn't given us any clues as to whether he will retire. Earlier this year, it almost looked certain but you get the feeling he might try for one more season.
"Ultimately, it will come down to his body. Similarly to Andy Murray, he's been through some horrific injuries but returned every time.
"It's interesting that Nadal says he will play the Laver Cup, which will be held in Berlin on September 20-22. The Laver Cup is a team event where Europe face the Rest of the World and two years ago, Roger Federer retired at the tournament.
"Federer teamed up with Nadal in a men's doubles match in his final contest as a professional tennis player. Could we see Nadal do something similar? Maybe, but I think the 38-year-old has still mentally got it to carry on for another year."
In the run-up to the final Grand Slam of 2024 - the US Open - you can watch all of the biggest tennis stars in action live on Sky Sports as they compete across the hard-court season.
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