Sports

Rafael Nadal says he will not compete at US Open

Nadal's last appearance on the New York City hardcourts was in 2022

By AFP

August 08, 2024

Spains Rafael Nadal playing with Spain’s Carlos Alcaraz reacts while playing Netherlands’ Tallon Griekspoor and Netherlands’ Wesley Koolhof during their men´s doubles second round tennis match on Court Suzanne-Lenglen at the Roland-Garros Stadium during the Paris 2024 Olympic Games, in Paris on July 30, 2024. — AFP — Spain's Rafael Nadal playing with Spain’s Carlos Alcaraz reacts while playing Netherlands’ Tallon Griekspoor and Netherlands’ Wesley Koolhof during their men´s doubles second round tennis match on Court Suzanne-Lenglen at the Roland-Garros Stadium during the Paris 2024 Olympic Games, in Paris on July 30, 2024. — AFP

Rafael Nadal, a 22-time Grand Slam champion, will not compete in the US Open, he said Wednesday, with the 38-year-old Spaniard adding he did not feel he could perform at his best.

'Hi all, writing today is to let you guys know that I have decided not to compete at this year’s US Open a place where I have amazing memories,' Nadal said on social media. '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.'

Nadal, a four-time US Open champion, said his next event would be at next month's Laver Cup in Berlin. Nadal has won 22 career Grand Slam titles, with four of them coming at the US Open.

Nadal most recently won the US Open in 2019, along with winning the American slam in 2010, 2013, and 2017. The 38-year-old also missed last year's US Open with a hip injury.

Nadal's last appearance on the New York City hardcourts was in 2022, when he was eliminated in the Round of 16 by Frances Tiafoe. Nadal's next chance at a Grand Slam victory will now be next year at the Australian Open.

The Spaniard's bread and butter has always been the French Open, where he has won 14 of his Grand Slam victories, including his most-recent major tournament triumph in 2022.