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Rafael Nadal has declared he will not be participating in the 2024 U.S. Open. On Wednesday, August 7, the 22-time Grand Slam winner shared on Instagram his decision to skip the upcoming tournament, scheduled for August 26 to September 8, 2024. Nadal, a four-time U.S. Open champion, secured titles in 2010, 2013, 2017, and 2019.
The 38-year-old tennis star expressed that he holds "amazing memories" of the tournament and will "miss those electric and special night sessions in NYC at Ashe," but feels he won't be able to give his "100% this time."
"Thanks to all my US Fans in particular, will miss you all and will see you another time," he added. "Best of luck to everyone for the always amazing US Open!"
Nadal reassured concerned fans that his next event will be the Laver Cup in Berlin, taking place from September 20 to September 22.
This announcement comes after his recent participation in the 2024 Olympics, representing Spain. On July 30, he and Carlos Alcaraz lost the doubles quarterfinal match to the Netherlands pair Tallon Griekspoor and Wesley Koolhof. This doubles defeat followed his second-round singles loss to Serbia's Novak Djokovic, who claimed the gold on Sunday, August 4.
While in Paris, when asked about playing the US Open, Nadal paused before responding, "Looks like not. But I'm going to let you know soon," he said, according to the Associated Press. "For me, now, I can't give you a clear answer. I need some time, but for me, [it] looks difficult."
Prior to his Olympic matches, Nadal joined tennis champion Serena Williams, French soccer star Zinedine Zidane, basketball player Tony Parker, and others to help light the Olympic cauldron during the 2024 Opening Ceremony on Friday, July 26.
The recent news also follows his withdrawal from the Monte Carlo Masters tournament in April, when he stated his "body simply won't allow" him to compete.
Nadal also mentioned the previous month that a retirement decision might not be far off.
"What put me in a position to be close to retirement is my body more than anything else because my mind is healthy in terms of passion for what I'm doing," he said. "The main thing for me is to stay more or less healthy. If that happens, then we can analyze in what position in terms of level I am."
Before these 2024 announcements and retirement hints, Nadal stated in May 2023 that 2024 would be his final year on tour due to his hip surgery.
