What Rafael Nadal's been up to after skipping US Open 2024: From gala dinner with wife Maria Francisca Perello to E1 Series matchup with Will Smith
Following his withdrawal from the 2024 US Open, Rafael Nadal has been keeping busy, exploring a series of activities along with his training. The Spanish tennis star stepped down from the US Open acknowledging he wouldn't be able to deliver his best performance. After pulling out of the Major title, he was seen attending a glamourous gala dinner along with his wife Maria Francisca Perello at Villa d’Este in Italy, ahead of the E1 Lake Camo GP.
While the tennis superstar donned an elegant black tuxedo with a bow tie, Perello was spotted in a chic silk beige off-shoulder dress.
Further, the Spaniard locked horns with the Hollywood star Will Smith in a fun E1 drag race showdown ahead of the world’s first electric raceboat championship, the E1 Lake Camo GP in Cernobbio, hosted by Villa d’Este.
The official X profile of E1 Series shared a video of the two owners, showing them engaging in light conversation while gearing up for the race. They were seen shaking hands and posing for the picture when Nadal jokingly said to Smith:
"Please don't crash the boat."
Sharing his experience, the tennis maestro later said:
"Very exciting. It's unbelievable. The difference when you feel and then when you touch (the water). At the beginning, I was (gestures driving) and then you get used to it, but the first one is baa!"
Smith's team, Westbrook Racing secured a historic victory as Nadal's Team Rafa settled for second place.
Rafael Nadal commences training for the 2024 Laver Cup after withdrawing from the US Open
Despite pulling out of the 2024 US Open, Rafael Nadal's focus on training remains intact as the Spaniard has his sights set on the 2024 Laver Cup.
Navigating through a series of injuries since 2023, the tennis ace's form this year raised concerns for his subsequent matches several times. During the Brisbane International, he endured intense pain in his left thigh, resulting in a micro muscle tear. He remained distant from podium finishes at the 2024 French Open and the 2024 Paris Olympics in both singles and doubles.
The 22-time Major champion was recently seen honing his skills on the hard court at Rafa Academy in Spain to compete in his next event.
The 2024 Laver Cup is scheduled to be held at Uber Arena in Berlin from September 20-22.