"I am not in a hurry" - Rafael Nadal puts hold on retirement plans following US Open 2024 withdrawal, eyes Laver Cup comeback
Rafael Nadal has said he is in no rush to plan his retirement and is looking forward to participating in the 2024 Laver Cup, scheduled from September 20-22. He missed the 2024 Australian Open and Wimbledon and didn't perform well at the French Open and the Paris Olympics.
Nadal sustained a hip injury during the 2023 Australian Open, compelling him to withdraw from the French Open, Wimbledon, and the US Open. The Spaniard participated in the 2024 French Open but failed to advance to the second round as he lost to Alexander Zverev in the first. He also missed a podium at the 2024 Paris Olympics in both singles and doubles.
Nadal's performances have raised questions about his future but the 38-year-old is in 'no hurry' to hang up his racket. Nadal recently shared his plans to compete at the 2024 Laver Cup.
"I'm not in a hurry to make a decision about my future. What is certain is that I will be in the Laver Cup, and then we will see," he said (via Marca).
The 22-time Major winner will team up with Carlos Alcaraz, Casper Ruud, Alexander Zverev, Daniil Medvedev, and Stefanos Tsitsipas in his fourth Laver Cup appearance.
At the 2024 Paris Olympics, he lost to World No. 2 Novak Djokovic 1-6, 4-6. After his defeat, Rafael Nadal said:
"I can’t spend all day thinking about that [retirement]. I come here, and you ask me the same thing every day and in the end it’s very difficult to get back to my best form if I think about whether I’m going to retire or not," said Nadal (via Marca).
Rafael Nadal pens a heartfelt note announcing his withdrawal from the 2024 US Open
The four-time US Open titlist recently took to X and announced that he won't play in the US Open this year since he didn't feel 100%.
"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. 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," he wrote.
Rafael Nadal won his first US Open title in 2010, followed by wins in 2013, 2017, and 2019. He has won a staggering 14 Grand Slams at Roland Garros while winning the Wimbledon Championships and the Australian Open twice each.