Rafael Nadal has announced his withdrawal from the upcoming U.S. Open, marking the third Grand Slam tournament he will miss this season. At 38 years old, questions about his future in tennis have been raised.
In a social media post, Nadal expressed his regret at missing the iconic night sessions at Arthur Ashe Stadium, citing his inability to give his best performance this time around. He confirmed his participation in the Laver Cup in Berlin from Sept. 20-22, where he will team up with Roger Federer.
Nadal's decision to skip the U.S. Open was somewhat expected, especially after hinting at it following his recent Olympic campaign. His history of injuries, including hip surgery in 2023 and muscle issues in 2024, has raised concerns about his longevity in the sport.
The Spanish tennis legend, a four-time U.S. Open champion, has faced setbacks in recent years due to various health issues. His absence from the tournament means he will have missed it four out of the last five years.
Nadal's dominance in Grand Slam events is well-documented, with a record 14 French Open titles and multiple victories at Wimbledon and the Australian Open. However, his recent struggles with injuries have cast doubt on his ability to compete at the highest level.
With Nadal's withdrawal, American player Mackie McDonald, ranked No. 93, will take his place in the U.S. Open draw. McDonald notably defeated Nadal at the 2023 Australian Open.
The draw to determine the brackets for the U.S. Open is set to take place on Aug. 22, as the tennis world awaits the final lineup for the prestigious tournament.
Despite the uncertainties surrounding Nadal's future, his impact on the sport and his remarkable achievements in tennis will forever be etched in history.
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