Rafael Nadal has withdrawn from the 2024 Laver Cup in Berlin, which will be held from next week. Nadal is still signed up for the 6 Kings Slam in October. Also to note, neither Nadal nor the Laver Cup stated an injury behind the withdrawal. It has more to do with being at full fitness. The Spaniard wants to be able to play at his best and doesn’t want to hurt Team Europe’s chances if he can’t play at a high level. He said, “There are better players to help Team Europe win”.
There weren’t any videos of him practicing in the last month. Usually, before he plays a tournament he posts a couple of reels and stories on Instagram a month before. So this withdrawal doesn’t come as a shock. It feels like there is little time left, in terms of how many times we will see him on court.
This withdrawal also adds up to the questions surrounding Nadal’s future. Will he play another season? Is it just going to be one last French Open? Is he trying to get his body into shape but it’s taking time? Can his body even get into shape again? Even then can he compete with the top guys anymore? So many questions with no answers. Perhaps, his withdrawal from the Laver Cup shows he now intends to play beyond 2024, when the initial assumption was he was going to retire this year. Or, he could also just retire in a random press conference if he feels he won’t be able to reach a good level again.
Grigor Dimitrov Replaces Nadal
Rafael Nadal was the big draw for the Laver Cup this year, with many fans buying tickets at crazy prices because it seemed like a good chance to see him in a “guaranteed” setting. However, Grigor Dimitrov is the best possible replacement in such a short time. He’s a crowd favourite and well-liked by most players. The Bulgarian is not 100% fit though. He had to retire from his quarterfinal match against Frances Tiafoe but maybe good enough to play a short tournament like the Laver Cup.
Dimitrov gave an interview for Bulgarian TV recently where he said his injury was just a “spasm” and he’s adjusted his training so that he can give it all in the last few tournaments. Hopefully, nothing too bad and his body allows him to finish a successful year on a high.
Main Photo Credit: Mike Frey-USA TODAY Sports
