Rafael Nadal declines ruling out US Open 2024 participation, maintains he'll decide post-Paris Olympics
Rafael Nadal recently shared his plans regarding the upcoming US Open. The Spaniard was named in the entry list of the last Grand Slam of the year via protected rankings. However, he has yet to confirm if he will play in the tournament. He says his final decision will be made after the upcoming Paris Olympics.
Nadal is currently in Bastad, Sweden, playing in the Nordea Open. He is participating in the clay court ATP 250 event to get practice for the Olympics which will be played on the clay courts of Roland Garros.
Nadal played in both the singles and doubles events, the latter with Casper Ruud. At the Olympics, the Spaniard will represent his nation alongside Carlos Alcaraz in the doubles event.
Following some impressive displays, Nadal reached the semifinals of both events in Bastad. He played an over two-hour singles semifinal and won to advance to his first tour final since May 2022. He prioritized the singles event and withdrew from the doubles.
During a press conference after the semifinal against Duje Ajduković, Nadal opened up about his plans in the coming months. He asserted that his name in the entry list does not confirm he will play in the US Open. He added that booking the spot allows him to make a decision later.
“I needed to book to have the chance to decide after that, that’s as simple as that. Nothing changed for me. I’m going to decide what’s going on after the Olympics,” Nadal said in a press conference.
The 38-year-old revealed that though he will be representing Team Europe at the Laver Cup, his decision on participating in New York will be made after the Games.
“By the way, I will be playing in the Laver Cup but I am, to be clear, and to not create false expectations, I am not sure at all to be in New York or not. No decision today and the decision will not happen before the end of the Olympics,” he added.
Rafael Nadal continues to make progress after return from injury
After winning the semifinal 4-6, 6-3, 6-4 against Duje Ajduković, Rafael Nadal said that he was happy to reach his first final in over two years. The Spaniard also revealed that he is still recovering from the multiple injuries and hip surgery that he has gone through during this period.
In a press conference at the Nordea Open, Nadal opened up on the side of his game that he thinks still needs attention, as part of the recovery process.
"There are many things in which I must continue to evolve. The main thing is reading the game, choosing the right shot at important moments. Little by little, I am recovering the speed of my legs that allows me to hit my forehand with power," he said (translated from Spanish).
He added that he hoped to continue his progress amid challenges:
"I am playing much better than two months ago, but I must continue to progress. I have to accept all the challenges that come and be willing to suffer on the court to continue giving myself opportunities to succeed," he added.
Nadal will go up against seventh-seed Nuno Borges in the final at the Nordea Open on July 21. This will be Borges' first final on tour.