With Rafael Nadal out of the US Open, is he likely to retire at Laver Cup
One of the tennis' worst-kept secrets was announced when Rafael Nadal opted out of the US Open 2024. The Spaniard had put his name in the hat for the final Major of the year but has now announced his decision to skip the US Open. The 38-year-old has however confirmed his participation at the Laver Cup 2024 in Berlin.
Rafael Nadal's much-anticipated return to professional tennis this year has not lived up to the hype. The Spanish superstar has struggled to compete with the top players and will end the year without a trophy. His poor performance at the French Open and the Olympics on the Roland Garros clay courts have raised doubts about his future in tennis.
Rafael Nadal's underwhelming 2024 has raised doubts about his tennis future
Just two years ago, Rafael Nadal was at the top of the tennis world, having won two Grand Slam titles in 2022. The Spaniard registered his 21st and 22nd Grand Slam win as he moved to the top of all-time Major winners in men's tennis. However, a hip injury since then has deteriorated Nadal's progress.
Nadal missed most of the 2023 season with hip surgery and announced a comeback in 2024. However, his comeback trail has not gone according to plan as the Spanish star has looked sluggish during his matches. The once quick and pacey southpaw has been reduced to a standstill and has not got the legs to compete like he once did.
Nadal has only competed in the French Open and the Olympic matches this season apart from a few ATP 500 and ATP 250 tournaments. The Spaniard put all his eggs in the clay court basket of Roland Garros but still failed to make an impact.
Rafael Nadal was drawn against Alexander Zverev in the first round of the French Open, which he lost in straight sets. The 38-year-old then turned his attention to the Olympics but ended up losing to Novak Djokovic in the second round in Paris. This was also the first time in the last 22 years that Nadal failed to win even a single Grand Slam match during the year. These underwhelming performances have raised doubts over Nadal's immediate future and the Spaniard was asked about it after his Olympic exit.
"I am a fairly calm person and I need my time. When I know what my next step is, I will let you know, but right now my next step is to go back home, spend time with my family and relax," Nadal said (via Punto de Break)
Although Nadal does not want to make a hurried decision, one way or another, failing to compete with other top opponents will hurt the 22-time Grand Slam champion and may compel him to make up his mind soon.
Could Rafael Nadal retire at the Laver Cup?
There is a possibility that Nadal could announce his retirement at the Laver Cup, however there is no confirmation yet. The former World No. 1 has reiterated his desire to compete for Grand Slam titles and is buying himself time before making any decision.
If the Spaniard does decide to retire, the Laver Cup would be the perfect place. Nadal could follow in the footsteps of his rival Roger Federer in retiring at the Laver Cup, surrounded by his friends and rivals. With Andy Murray also announcing his retirement, tennis fans could see the 'Big 4' feature on the court together for one last time.
After his Olympic exit, Nadal looked visibly upset after being asked about retirement. This would suggest that the Spaniard is still looking to compete and play for another year. However, with an aging body and Nadal being nowhere near competitive at big events, it is hard to see the 38-year-old taking too long before deciding on his future.
Only Rafael Nadal would know what he is going through. The once unbeatable Spaniard is now a shadow of a player he once was and that would hurt the ego of any champion. However, with everything he has given to tennis, the Spaniard has unarguably earned the right to retire on his own terms.