“I am not in a hurry” – Rafael Nadal puts hold on retirement plans following US Open 2024 withdrawal, eyes Laver Cup comeback

Veteran Rafael Nadal has said he is not in a hurry to announce his retirement after withdrawing from the upcoming US Open. Nadal recently confirmed that he won’t be taking part at the Flushing Meadows, stating he won’t be able to give his 100% on the court, and thus doubts were raised about his future.

In the ongoing season, out of the four Slams of the year, Nadal only played at Roland Garros. He was knocked out in the first round of the French Open by Alexander Zverev.

The Spaniard recently participated in the Paris Olympics but lost in the second round against his arch-rival Novak Djokovic in straight sets. Nadal also could not go all the way with Carlos Alcaraz in the men’s doubles.

“I’m not in a hurry to make a decision about my future. What is certain is that I will be in the Laver Cup, and then we will see,” he said (via Marca).

After his loss against Djokovic, Nadal had sa​​id, “I can’t spend all day thinking about that [retirement]. I come here, and you ask me the same thing every day and in the end it’s very difficult to get back to my best form if I think about whether I’m going to retire or not.”

Nadal will team up with Carlos Alcaraz, Casper Ruud, Alexander Zverev, Daniil Medvedev, and Stefanos Tsitsipas in the Laver Cup for Team Europe.

“Hi all, writing today to let you guys know that I have decided not to compete at this year’s US Open a place where I have amazing memories. I will miss those electric and special night sessions in NYC at Ashe, but I don’t think I would be able to give my 100% this time,” Nadal had written while announcing his withdrawal from the US Open.

The 22-time Major title winner has played sporadically in the last two years due to injury concerns.