Rafael Nadal clarifies he is still not sure about US Open 2024 as Laver Cup is the only ‘set in stone’ commitment this year

His protected rankings have allowed him to appear on the entry list, but he hasn't decided whether he will be flying to New York or not.

Rafael Nadal clarifies he is still not sure about US Open 2024 as Laver Cup is the only ‘set in stone’ commitment this year

Rafael Nadal (Image via Imago)

Rafael Nadal is not in his prime anymore, so choosing to skip a Grand Slam tournament has become a necessity for him. He is back on court after a prolonged absence due to injuries and to maintain his fitness level, he decided to opt out of Wimbledon. Will he withdraw from the US Open as well?

The reason behind his decision to skip Wimbledon is to make his body ready for the Paris Olympics. Tennis matches will start just two weeks after the conclusion of Wimbledon and many players have deemed adapting to clay again after weeks of playing on grass a daunting task. 

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While some players have chosen to pull themselves out of the Olympics and instead prepare for the US Open, Nadal did the opposite, for tennis matches at the Paris Olympics will be played at the Roland Garros, where the King of Clay has won a record 14 titles. 

Then what about the US Open? His protected rankings have allowed him to appear on the entry list, but he hasn’t decided whether he will be flying to New York or not.

He will decide after the Olympics if his body allows him to grind more at the US Open; other than the Olympics, Nadal has confirmed his participation in the Laver Cup, scheduled to start on September 20. 

By the way, I will be playing in the Laver Cup but I am, to be clear, and to not create false expectations, I am not sure at all to be in New York or not. No decision today and the decision will not happen before the end of Olympics.
Rafael Nadal said in a press conference

He will join Team Europe’s other members Alcaraz, Daniil Medvedev, Zverev, and captain Bjorn Borg to compete against Team World. Tennis matches at the Olympics will end on August 4, and about two weeks later the US Open will kick-start and will run till September 8. 

At the Olympics, he will be competing in doubles events with Carlos Alcaraz, who recently scripted history by winning both the Roland Garros and Wimbledon by beating Alexander Zverev (in five sets) and Novak Djokovic (in straight sets) respectively in the final.

Rafael Nadal is playing in the Nordea Open 

The ongoing Nordea Open is an ATP 250 event held in Bastad, Switzerland, where Rafael Nadal is playing after 19 years. He has reached the quarterfinals by beating Cameron Norrie to set up a clash with Mariano Navone.

Rafael Nadal
Rafael Nadal (Image via Imago)

Nadal has also teamed up with Norway’s Casper Ruud for doubles and has reached the semifinals. They will meet Brazilian pair Orlando Luz and Rafael Matos on July 20. 

This tournament is helping Nadal to get some much-needed practice for the Olympics. Before this event, he played at Roland Garros but got knocked out in the first round.

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