"Rafael Nadal sells tickets and withdraws";"Proof he doesn't want to retire this year" - Fans react to Spaniard pulling out of Laver Cup 2024
Rafael Nadal's withdrawal from the upcoming Laver Cup has left fans feeling a mixed set of emotions. While some feel hopeful that it is a good sign for the Spaniard concerning his retirement, others have raised complaints that he announced the decision late just to help the tournament sell more tickets.
Nadal was last seen in action at the Paris Olympics, where he got out in the second round in singles (loss to Novak Djokovic) and in the quarterfinals to doubles. After that, the 22-time Grand Slam champion decided to skip the US Open and was expected to be back for the Laver Cup.
The 38-year-old is likely playing in his last season on the ATP Tour, having strongly hinted as much by himself. Considering all that, the Berlin edition of the Laver Cup was one of the last chances fans had to watch him in action, creating a lot of buzz and ticket sales.
However, on Thursday, the Laver Cup's official social media handles broke the news that Nadal had withdrawn from the event.
“I’m really disappointed to share that I won’t be able to compete at the Laver Cup in Berlin next week. This is a team competition and to really support Team Europe, I need to do what’s best for them and at this moment there are other players who can help the team deliver the win," he said in a statement.
Reacting to the news, fans believed that his decision means he will not be saying goodbye to tennis this year, seeing as there are not many prestigious tournaments left for him. Instead, they believe he will have a proper send-off next year, with a retirement either at the French Open, where he is a 14-time record winner, or at home in either the Madrid Open or the Barcelona Open.
"It's looking very obvious that he will have a proper send-off and retire at his home country in Barcelona next year, considering he has already retired from Madrid Open this year. Then (maybe) one last hurrah at the French Open!" one fan said.
"I think he wants another run at the French Open," another said.
"Sad but also clearly proof that he doesn't want to retire this year. He could've gone for one match and left like he and Roger did but his career isn't over yet," one user commented.
Fans acknowledged that they were hoping for Nadal to retire at the Laver Cup just like Federer did back in 2022, where he was surrounded by the likes of Novak Djokovic, Andy Murray, and the Spaniard himself. Regardless, they were ready to let go of that idea if it meant the former World No. 1 would play one more year on the ATP Tour.
"Sad but kind of expected - I didn't think this would be his last tournament / match before he retires so it doesn't surprise me he's deciding to rest up. I know he said he likely won't be playing Madrid again but I wouldn't be TOO surprised if he did next year. Let's see," one fan said.
"Thought this will be his farewell just like Federers, I don't know why Nadal just want to play when he can't even win a set," another said.
At the same time, the news of the Mallorcan's withdrawal was also meant with derision from some.
"He sells tickets for tournaments and withdraws," another wrote.
"Can't believe his self confidence is this low, it's literally in gutters. There are others who can help the team deliver a win!! My god," one fan commented.
Where might Rafael Nadal play next this year?
Following his withdrawal from the 2024 Laver Cup, the next stop on Rafael Nadal's calendar is the 'Six Kings Slam' exhibition in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, in October. The Spaniard will be joined by Carlos Alcaraz, Novak Djokovic, Holger Rune, Daniil Medvedev and Jannik Sinner at the event.
With no other big tournaments left this year, except for the Shanghai Masters and the Paris Masters on hardcourts, there is a good chance Nadal won't play any other competition for the rest of the season.