The final day of the 2019 Laver Cup has been dealt a blow after Rafael Nadal withdrew from his schedule matches due to a wrist injury.
Nadal was set to take on Nick Kyrgios in the singles and then pair up with Roger Federer in the doubles. However, he has decided to pull out of the event following a consultation with the tournament doctor. The world No.2 featured in the competition on Saturday and won his match against Milos Raonic in two tight sets. Shortly after, he returned to the court to play alongside Stefanos Tsitsipas. The duo lost to Nick Kyrgios and Jack Sock.
“Following consultation with the Laver Cup competition doctor Rafael Nadal has withdrawn from his matches today due to a wrist injury.” A official statement reads.
In recent days there has been concern over Nadal’s current health. On Friday he was spotted training with strapping on his wrist. Then in an interview on the same day with Mark Petchy he admitted that his body was ‘a little bit run down’ following his triumph at the US Open.
“After New York, the body always feels down a little bit.” Nadal explained.
“Some issues can happen but here I am. I’m trying hard to be ready for when the team need me.
“Let’s see. All of the matches are very difficult.
“If I am not at 100 per cent, there is another player. But I am confident I can help.”
There is little detail about the severity of the injury or if it could have any impact on Nadal’s schedule for the coming weeks. He is in with a shot of ending the season as world No.1 with no points to defend on the tour until January. The next tournament in his schedule is the China Open, which will get underway on September 30th.
As a result of Nadal’s injury, he has been replaced by Dominic Thiem in the singles. French Open runner-up Thiem will take on Australia’s Nick Kyrgios. Meanwhile, Tsitsipas steps in to play alongside Federer in the doubles.
Heading into the final day of the Laver Cup, Europe leads 7-5. They are yet to lose a tie in the history of the event which is in its third year.
Sunday's revised #LaverCup lineup following the withdrawal of @RafaelNadal due to a wrist injury.
Daily Lineup presented by @CreditSuisse pic.twitter.com/xtT3cmIZBh
— Laver Cup (@LaverCup) September 22, 2019
