The 2024 US Open is set to take place without Rafael Nadal, with the Spaniard closing in on retirement.
The 22-time grand slam champion is coming towards the end of an incredible career, and as he winds down, he’s decided to withdraw from the US Open.
The Spaniard recently competed at the Paris Olympics and formed a dream doubles duo with Carlos Alcaraz.
However, Nadal was to have no Olympic glory, as he and Alcaraz failed to make it to a medal match.
And with the last grand slam of the year approaching, Nadal has elected to skip this one, with Mackenzie McDonald taking his place.
Why is Rafael Nadal not playing at the US Open?
Nadal was initially on the entry list for the men’s singles at Flushing Meadows.
He was set to enter as ranked player at No.9, but earlier in August, he announced on X, formerly known as Twitter, that he wouldn’t be competing.
He said: “I have decided not to compete at this year’s US Open a place where I have amazing memories.
“I will miss those electric and special night sessions in NYC at Ashe, but I don’t think I would be able to give my 100% this time.
“Thanks to all my U.S. fans in particular, will miss you all and will see you another time.”
So, it’s clear that Nadal doesn’t feel he would be able to do himself justice if he were to compete in this year’s US Open.
Despite withdrawing from the US Open this year, Nadal indicates he will return to America.
This doesn’t mean he will make the US Open next year, but he should play in at least one more US-based tournament before retiring.
Since winning the last of his 22 grand slam singles titles in New York, Nadal has only played at Flushing Meadows once.
A hip injury in 2023 robbed him of that whole season, while a muscle problem in January earlier this year saw him miss the hard-court campaign and Wimbledon.
However, despite all these injuries, Nadal has yet to decide when to retire.
He’s set to play in the Laver Cup in Berlin and might make a decision after that.
But what is clear is that the US Open will miss Nadal’s presence.
Speaking about the Spaniard pulling out, US Open Tournament Director Stacey Allaster said: “We wish him all the best and look forward to having him back at the USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center.”
Certainly, they and tennis fans around the world will hope to see Nadal back at the US Open one last time, but that is far from guaranteed.
