Nadal Withdraws from Laver Cup Over Fitness Concerns

Twenty-two-time Grand Slam singles champion Rafael Nadal has pulled out of next week's Laver Cup in Berlin due to fitness issues, according to an announcement made on Thursday. The legendary Spanish player expressed deep disappointment over his inability to support Team Europe in person.

"I'm really disappointed to share that I won't be able to compete at the Laver Cup in Berlin next week," Nadal said in a statement. "This is a team competition, and to truly support Team Europe, I need to do what's best for them. At this moment, other players can help deliver the win."

Nadal, who last participated in the 2024 Paris Olympics where he lost in the second round of men's singles to eventual champion Novak Djokovic, also partnered with Carlos Alcaraz in men's doubles but was defeated in the quarterfinals. The tournament organizers have yet to announce his replacement for Team Europe, which already includes Alexander Zverev, Carlos Alcaraz, Daniil Medvedev, Casper Ruud, and Stefanos Tsitsipas under Bjorn Borg's captaincy.

"I have so many great, emotional memories from playing Laver Cup and I was really looking forward to being with my teammates and with Bjorn in his final year as captain. I wish Team Europe the very best of luck and will be cheering them on from afar," added Nadal, who has previously made three Laver Cup appearances.

Despite announcing in April that he would play in this year's Laver Cup, Nadal had to bow out due to ongoing fitness concerns which also saw him miss the US Open. His last appearance in the tournament was in 2022 when he participated with longtime rival Roger Federer in the latter’s final career match.

Nadal has had a challenging year, playing in just seven tournaments, including the French Open—where he was ousted in the first round by Alexander Zverev—and the Olympics. Post his French Open loss, Nadal left the door slightly ajar for a potential return next year, though he admitted it was a big possibility he might not come back to play at Roland Garros.

Since struggling with injuries that started at the 2023 Australian Open, Nadal has failed to regain the form expected from a former world No. 1, holding a record of 12 wins and 7 losses this year. Nonetheless, the tennis icon has not indicated any specific health issue as the reason but has previously hinted that 2024 might be his last season.

The Laver Cup, pitting Team Europe against Team World, begins in Berlin on September 20.

Earlier, SSP wrote that Brazil and Argentina failed to qualify for 2026 World Cup.