Just hours after winning his fourth Rogers Cup title, Rafael Nadal has pulled out of the Cincinnati event which began today.
The world No. 1 had been handed a bye for the first round of the Cincinnati tournament but announced on his social media accounts that he would not be competing in the event.
Rafa’s statement:
I am very sorry to announce that I won’t be playing in Cincinnati this year. No other reason than personally taking care of my body and trying to keep as healthy as I feel now.
I am very thankful to my friend Andre Silva, Tournament Director of the Cincinnati tournament, who after speaking to him on the phone understood what I said and understands the situation.
I am sure the tournament will be a success and I wish him and his team all the best.
I am also sad for those amazing fans in Cincy and around who always gave me great support. I am sure I’ll see them next year and I am sorry I won’t be with them this year.
Thanks for all the support as always.
We’re glad Rafa decided to skip it as he must ensure he’s in good health for both the US Open and the indoor swing afterwards. We’re sorry for the fans who have bought tickets but our champ has to put himself first here and focus on the remainder of the season.
What do you think? Comment below.
Good decision⭐️
Smart decision!!! Just like on the court,Rafa!!! You know when and where to hit the ball and take care of business. Rest easy!!!
Absolutely agree, excellent decision…Go ahead, Rafa!!!
I miss Rafa already but happy he decided to take a break before the US Open.
Rafa loves to compete to the extent he has played while injured. Hopefully not any longer. He said of his last injury that “it was the worst ever because he couldn’t do anything…no golf, no boating, nothing.” He does not want to go through that again.
A healthy Rafa is a winning Rafa.
RAFA ROCKS
A very wise decision Rafa. Although, selfishly, I am so disappointed I will now have to wait until end August to see you play! Do rest Rafa my boy n also have some fun with your Maria, your family n friends. God bless n keep you in good health Rafa. Vamos, Vamos, Vamos Rafa. Your Aussie Abuela Nan Shirley
Very good decision. Enjoy some time off, feel well and take care of your body and soul Rafa <3
Buen descanso Rafa!!!! muy merecido. te esperamos como siempre. Y FELICITACIONES!!!!!!!!!
That semifinal that concluded after midnight was terribly unfortunate. We all should be glad he was able to play well in the finals. Good decision!
Congrats Rafa in winning the Rogers cup.
Take rest and come back to the USO and I hope you will sweep all the others off the court!
All the very best. Love you!!!
VAMOS
A very wise decision indeed. His body needs to rest!!! Vamos Rafa!!!!
I support this decision. Before, Rafael was one tournament after the other, and now his new coach realizes this is not a good idea. Rafael is human, and has performed Herculean feats and championship wins.. This will ensure he is healthy and strong for US Open. I agree with the decision.
A wise decision, even if it disappoints fans. Time to go fishing before US Open?
2 years ago we came and missed Rafa, skipped last year and now this year we will be sadly missing Rafa again. Rafa for us is our favorite so it is a huge let down that he will not be here. My is from Russia and I was hoping she would get to see Rafa play live just once. I don’t know if he or we will be here next as the US open has more game then Cincy. I can’t take time off work to go to the US Open. The struggle is real for Rafa and us, I hope he does well in the US Open.
So sorry to read this:( I’ve been in a position where I’ve had tickets and he’s not been able to play so I know how it feels but I’ve been lucky enough to see him a few times. I really hope your family gets to see him at least once. Like all true fans you understand he needs to slow down and wish him the best regardless. Not much I can say but chin up it’s been a great season for Rafa and us fans overall:)
Sorry to hear this news, Ryan. I was in the same position last year with a different tournament. I was so personally disappointed while at that same time understanding and wishing Rafa well. A very tricky feeling for a fan!
I don’t know how you feel about the other players, but Cinci has a stellar line-up this year, so hopefully that will be some consolation for you. Best wishes to you and your family, and I hope you get to see some fabulous tennis.
Felicito a Rafa primero cuidar su cuerpo .
La salud es mas importante.
Great decision Rafa, I was thinking the same thing. Get same rest so you will be rested to defend your US crown.#VAMOSRAFA
Muy bien Rafa!!! Desscansa, cuídate…
Rafa is smart, as always, to take care of his health first, especially in hard court season since it is so hard on his body. As he gets older his future health must come first. He must be healthy to enjoy his life and the fruits of his labor. Looking forward to US Open and wish him the best as always. Vamos Rafa!!!! ❤️❤️❤️