“Avoid-Novak-at-all-costs season” – Rafael Nadal gets targeted by Novak Djokovic fans for opting out of US Open by playing Laver Cup

Rafael Nadal has confirmed that he will skip this year's US Open as he fears he will not be able to play at 100% at the event.

“Avoid-Novak-at-all-costs season” – Rafael Nadal gets targeted by Novak Djokovic fans for opting out of US Open by playing Laver Cup

Rafael Nadal (Via Imago)

Spanish tennis legend Rafael Nadal on Wednesday confirmed that he will not play at the 2024 US Open. The 38-year-old, who is on the verge of retirement, will, however, play at the 2024 Laver Cup. He cited fitness concerns as the reason to sit out of the season’s last Grand Slam tournament. Following this announcement, Novak Djokovic fans have started criticizing the Spaniard.

They have called out Nadal for skipping the US Open but playing at the Laver Cup instead, which is also played on a hard court. One of them went on to claim that he is doing it to avoid a potential faceoff with Djokovic, who beat the Spaniard in the second round at the 2024 Paris Olympics.

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As Nadal and Djokovic met for the 60th time in their career last week, the Serbian got the best out of his nemesis, defeating him in straight sets. This loss ended the 22-time Grand Slam champion’s singles campaign at the Summer Games.

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Nadal could not make it past the quarterfinal stage in doubles, as he and his partner Carlos Alcaraz were defeated by the American pair of Austin Krajicek and Rajeev Ram. After the Olympics, with everyone waiting to know about the next tournament for Nadal, the 38-year-old confirmed that he will take a break and return to action at the Laver Cup in Berlin.

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Rafael Nadal’s withdrawal attracts criticism

Rafael Nadal confirming his withdrawal from the US Open attracted criticism from a section of tennis fans. Pavy G, an ardent Novak Djokovic fan who the Serbian himself thanks for his unwavering support, highlighted that Nadal has decided to play in a tournament that pays a huge appearance fee.

Rafael Nadal
Rafael Nadal (via Imago)
Nadal has decided to skip @usopen but opts to play in the Laver Cup on the same surface just 2 weeks later with a huge appearance fee.
Pavy G, a Novak Djokovic fan posted on X criticizing Rafael Nadal

This user was joined by a few more such fans who took aim at the Spaniard for deciding not to take part in the US Open.

Check out similar reactions to Rafael Nadal’s withdrawal from the 2024 US Open below:

However, a few users hit back at this user for spreading hate and disrespecting Nadal.

Notably, Nadal is in his last season (potentially) and the Spaniard does not want to risk his body by playing at such a high-stakes tournament. He played at the 2024 Roland Garros though.

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