Rafael Nadal has dropped out of the 2024 edition of the Laver Cup last week, a news that has worried his many fans. The former world number 1 played very little in 2024, which is supposed to be the last year of his legendary career. The Spanish champion has played only one Grand Slam tournament this season, his beloved French Open, where he was eliminated by Alexander Zverev in the first round.

The 22-time Grand Slam champion competed in his last Olympics in Paris during the summer, but his single run ended in the second round against his great rival Novak Djokovic. Rafa also played the doubles tournament with his young compatriot Carlos Alcaraz, with whom he hoped to win a medal. The two champions played a good tournament, being eliminated in the quarterfinals by the Americans Ram and Krajicek.

Nadal’s schedule is unclear at this time. The Spanish legend is expected to compete in the ‘Six Kings Slam‘ in Saudi Arabia in mid-next month along with Djokovic, Sinner, Alcaraz, Medvedev and Rune. A few days ago, the 22-time Grand Slam champion appeared on David Ferrer’s list of players to be called up for the Davis Cup Finals in Malaga in November.

Ion Tiriac pays tribute to Rafa

Many fans and experts believe that the Davis Cup Finals may be the last event of Rafa’s legendary career. The results obtained in 2024 were not brilliant and Nadal’s career seems very close to its conclusion. Rafa made history and he is a true legend of the modern era. During a recent interview with ‘We Love Tennis’, Ion Tiriac paid tribute to the former World No.1: “I must admit that I have always been Nadal Nadal Nadal and still Nadal. An example on the court and off, someone with unbreakable humility with feet on the ground whatever happens and generous in addition, no there is nothing to say Nadal it’s my favorite of all.” Rafa has not played an official match since the Paris Olympics and will need to regain pace in order to be ready for the Davis Cup Finals in November. It is questionable if he will add any tournaments to his schedule.

Speaking with the press a few days ago, Spain’s captain David Ferrer talked about Rafael’s current status: “I spoke to Rafa before we started competing in Valencia and before we qualified. He told me a little about the idea and how much he wanted to be in the Finals if we qualified. The next day or two days after we qualified we spoke and his idea was to be prepared and excited to be in Malaga. It was very easy and he was the one who started it and wanted to be in the finals from the very beginning.”

He also added: “There are two months left, everyone on the list has to compete. We have a very strong team to achieve important things, but in this format, the competition evens out a lot. They have a very good doubles team. You might have two good singles players, but if you lose one, things get much more complicated. Furthermore, it’s a very tough tournament, with the top eight players in the world.”

A tough decision

Since the beginning of this season, the former world number 1 had said that 2024 would be the last year of his legendary career. Rafa’s best version has not been seen since 2022, when he won the Australian Open and the French Open shocking the whole world.

A few weeks ago, the 14-time French Open champion opened up on his future in an interview with ‘El Hormiguero’: “I am in a different phase than a few years ago. The decision was easy because I had been dealing with many physical issues. I set my sights on the Olympics and knew that after that, I would have to evaluate and make decisions. The change of surface and playing five sets made it easy to skip New York. Throughout this year, my goal was to give myself the chance to enjoy each day. I didn’t achieve what I would have liked, mainly because I wasn’t as healthy as I wanted after the injury from the first tournament.

I think I reached a good level at the Olympics, which were my priority, but I had very bad luck with the draw. I don’t like being constantly asked about my retirement because when I’m sure, I will let you know what my decision is.” At this point of his career, Nadal has the right to choose what is best for him and his family. The former world number 1 has given a lot to tennis and it is right to thank him for this.

Rafael Nadal, Davis Cup Finals 2019© Stream screenshot

Rafael Nadal and Carlitos Alcaraz© @DAZN_ES X account

Rafael Nadal and Carlitos Alcaraz© @voguemagazine X account

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Source: Los Angeles Times (edited)