Won't be able to...: Rafael Nadal withdraws from Laver Cup, says 'need to do what's best for team'

Former world number one Rafael Nadal, on Sep 12 (Thursday), pulled out of the upcoming Laver Cup, to be held from Sep 20-22 in Berlin. The decision comes after the Spaniard had initially confirmed to take part in the competition for Team Europe, in April, and even reiterated his commitment last month. However, his fitness isn't upto the mark -- which has been the case for the past few years -- and, thus, the Spanish player will miss another big event this year. In 2024, Nadal has missed all the Grand Slam events of the year except the French Open, where he was ousted in the first round.

In a statement, shared by the official handle of Laver Cup on X, formerly Twitter, Nadal said, "I’m really disappointed to share that I won’t be able to compete at the Laver Cup in Berlin next week. This is a team competition and to really support Team Europe, I need to do what’s best for them and at this moment there are other players who can help the team deliver the win.

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."

A statement from @RafaelNadal regarding Laver Cup Berlin 2024: “I’m really disappointed to share that I won’t be able to compete at the Laver Cup in Berlin next week.

This is a team competition and to really support Team Europe, I need to do what’s best for them and at this… pic.twitter.com/Y9i0T61kbA — Laver Cup (@LaverCup) September 12, 2024

Nadal's withdrawal has posed a serious question to his career, which has been plagued with injury concerns since 2022.

Meanwhile, Team Europe is yet to announce a replacement for Nadal. It will be led by captain Björn Borg including young stars Carlos Alcaraz, Alexander Zverev, Daniil Medvedev, Casper Ruud, and Stefanos Tsitsipas.

Team World, on the other hand, has made its own adjustments as well with Alex de Minuar and Tommy Paul sitting out. The likes of Francisco Cerúndolo and Thanasi Kokkinakis will join the team, led by captain John McEnroe. In addition, itfeatures US Open 2024 finalist Taylor Fritz, Frances Tiafoe, Ben Shelton, and Alejandro Tabilo.