Rafael Nadal has confirmed that he will not compete for Team Europe at the Laver Cup in Berlin next week. The decision came as a surprise after the 38-year-old had already missed the US Open in August.
“I wish Team Europe the best of luck and will be cheering them on from afar,” he wrote on his social media.
Nadal resigns for the benefit of the team
The Spanish tennis player did not reveal a specific reason for his withdrawal, but stated that “other players can help the team achieve victory.”
His decision was made for the good of the team. He further stressed: “This is a team competition and to really support Team Europe, I have to do the best for them.” Grigor Dimitrov will represent Nadal as a substitute and join Björn Borg’s team.
The current team includes Alexander Zverev, Carlos Alcaraz, Daniil Medvedev, Casper Ruud and Stefanos Tsitsipas. Borg, who has captained Team Europe since the Cup was founded in 2017, will be replaced by Yannick Noah from 2025.
Future uncertain
Nadal’s withdrawal has sparked speculation about a possible career turnaround. After being eliminated in the doubles at the 2024 Paris Olympics, Nadal was undecided about his future.
“I don’t know what will happen in the future, but if this is the last time, I enjoyed it,” he said in August. The Spanish tennis player took part in the first edition of the Laver Cup seven years ago and helped Team Europe to a 15-9 victory.
Roger Federer also ended his career at the 2022 Laver Cup when he and Nadal were defeated in doubles. He concluded: “I have so many great, emotional memories from the Laver Cup and was really looking forward to being with my teammates and Björn in his last year as captain.”
