Rafael Nadal has pulled out of this year’s US Open over doubts he will be able to ‘give his 100%’ at the tournament which will begin later this month.
The 22-time Grand Slam champion confirmed his withdrawal in a statement on social media. Nadal had entered to play in the event a couple of weeks ago but later explained that the only reason why he did was to give him the option of playing. He is a four-time winner of the tournament but hasn’t played there since 2022.
“I have decided not to compete at this year’s US Open a place where I have amazing memories,” Nadal wrote on the social media site 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.”
Nadal had recently hinted that he would not be playing at the last major of the season following his exit from the Olympic Games in Paris. At the Games, he lost in the second round to Novak Djokovic and in the quarter-finals of the doubles tournament where he was playing alongside Carlos Alcaraz.
The withdrawal comes amid speculation over the Spaniard’s future in the sport. He is set to play in at least one event before the end of 2024 which will be the Laver Cup. A team event featuring players from Europe taking on those from the rest of the world. The Laver Cup does have ATP status but ranking points are not on offer.
Nadal has played in eight tournaments since the start of January with his best run being to the final of the Nordea Open in Sweden, where he was denied the title by Nuno Borges. However, he has not played in three out of the four Grand Slams.
He is currently ranked 159th in the world.
