After the cancellation of the US Open, Rafael Nadal announced his return to the Laver Cup 2024 in Berlin. The 22-time Grand Slam champion reported back on the training court via social media.
by Dietmar Kaspar
last edited: 21.08.2024, 22:16
© Getty Images
Rafael Nadal started training for the Laver Cup in Berlin in Manacor.
Rafael Nadal’s disappointment was written all over his face on “his” court when he lost the doubles match alongside fellow countryman Carlos Alcaraz to the Americans Krajicek/Ram, thus putting an end to all his dreams of a medal at the Olympic tennis tournament in Roland Garros. The constant questions about his future did not help to cheer up the 22-time Grand Slam champion. Finally, the matador from Mancor said that he would only think about a possible end to his career after the tournament.
This was followed by the cancellation of the US Open, which is just beginning, for which he does not feel physically able to compete. He named this year’s edition of the Laver Cup in Berlin as a possible next goal. And this goal now seems more realistic than ever. The 38-year-old posted the first pictures of training on Instagram today, in which he appeared to be in a great mood and optimistic. These pictures were taken at his training academy in Mallorca.
As much as tennis fans are looking forward to the return of the left-handed Majorcan, the question of when he will retire will be a constant concern. Unfortunately, the theory that he will follow the example of his legendary colleague Roger Federer and put his racket aside forever after the show event in Berlin seems far too romantic.
And the chance of leaving the Uber Arena in Berlin with a trophy on the weekend of September 20-22, unlike at the Olympic tournament, seems to be great given the European team’s line-up. In addition to Nadal, Carlos Alcaraz, Alexander Zverev, Daniil Medvedev, Stefanos Tsitsipas and Casper Ruud will be part of the selection that will be coached by Bjorn Borg for the last time. Team World under John McEndro is considered to be an outsider this time, despite winning two titles in a row with Taylor Fritz, Ben Shelton, Tommy Paul, Frances Tiafoe, Alex de Minaur and Alejandro Tabilo.
