Rafael Nadal set to return to US Open after two years, features on 2024 entry list via protected ranking
Rafael Nadal appeared on the entry list released by the US Open on Tuesday, July 16. The Spaniard used his protected ranking to join the entry list although this does not confirm his participation at the Flushing Meadows.
The United States Tennis Association (USTA) released the entry list of players for the US Open based on the ATP and WTA rankings released on July 15. The names were led by both World No. 1s Jannik Sinner and Iga Swiatek. Both World No. 2s Novak Djokovic and Coco Gauff are defending champions for this year's edition.
Among the protected ranking entries was four-time winner Nadal. The Spaniard injured his hip during the 2023 Australian Open and remained sidelined for the whole year before returning to tour in January 2024. Another injury at the Brisbane International saw him miss the Australian Open this year.
Nadal, who was in the top 10 until March 2023, can use his protected rankings to enter tournaments.
Players can use their protected rankings for a specific period if they have not competed professionally for over six months. The average of their rankings will determine their protected rankings for the first three months of their injury.
Nadal has used his protected rankings multiple times this year playing in the Barcelona Open, the Madrid Open, the Italian Open, and the French Open. The 38-year-old, currently ranked 261, cannot qualify for most tournaments through his ranking.
He will put his protected ranking to use again to return to Flushing Meadows and play in the US Open after two years. The four-time champion (2010, 2013, 2017, 2019) has played the tournament just once in the past four years.
Denis Shapovalov, Reilly Opelka, Ajla Tomljanovic, and Zhang Shuai are some of the other players using their protected rankings to gain entry into the US Open this year.
Rafael Nadal is playing in the Nordea Open to prepare for the Olympic Games
Rafael Nadal participated in the Nordea Open in Bastad after almost two decades to prepare for the Olympic Games. The Spaniard played three clay court tournaments before playing in the French Open.
He withdrew from Wimbledon to focus on clay, as the Games will also be played on the clay courts of Roland Garros.
On Tuesday, July 16, Nadal defeated Bjorn Borg's son Leo in the first round of the singles event. As he will also play the doubles event with Carlos Alcaraz in the Olympics, Nadal is playing the doubles event with Casper Ruud in Bastad.
Nadal and Rudd will play against the pair of Theo Arribage and Roman Safiulling in the second round on Wednesday, July 17.