After pairing up with Roger Federer for the Swiss star’s final match, Rafael Nadal has withdrawn from Laver Cup due to personal reasons.
Rafa has pulled out of his required singles match at the Laver Cup after joining forces with Federer in the doubles, with the former world No 1s losing to Team World’s Jack Sock and Frances Tiafoe 4-6 7-5(2) [11-9] in what was the final match of the 20-time Major champion’s career.
The Laver Cup confirmed on Saturday morning: “Matteo Berrettini will be stepping in for Roger Federer: ‘I cannot wait to start.’ Additionally, Rafael Nadal withdrew for personal reasons. He will be replaced by Cameron Norrie.”
Of course it makes sense he left but “I’m not ok” and that it’s been hard and he’s losing sleep? That seems like more than a baby coming.
TV ratings for Laver Cup will drastically drop because without Rafa and knowing Roger won’t play any matches all we have is Djokovic. And Team World is simply useless, Djokovic can beat them even if they schedule their two players against Djokovic.
Well done, Rafa, be there for your wife and expectant child!
Truth is I believe Rafa wouldn’t have left Mery under any condition other than Rogers retirement….
He was there in London and participated in all the events honoring his friend leading up to the match…. He lost a very emotional match and we all witnessed the pressure and sadness he experienced as Roger cried (and so did Rafa) as Roger said goodbye.
Now was the best time for Rafa to go back home… Safe trip……
Good luck to you and Mery, Rafael Nadal. You are a true friend to Roger🙏👏🍀❤️
I agree with what everyone has said. I hope no one criticizes Rafa for leaving to go home. I am a bit concerned with Rafa’s negative comments about his health at his post presser, but I hope part of that was the emotion of the moment. I do understand that Rafa will not play much longer, so we need to appreciate every moment left. Right now, we just want a healthy baby Rafa,
I too think that Rafa only played Laver Cup this year because he wanted to play alongside Roger in his final match. It was a very emotional occasion for both, as could be seen by their tears after the match. Rafa not only admires Roger but he is genuinely very fond of him too. (Most rivals never feel that about each other.) Let’s hope and pray that all goes well for Rafa and Maria in the next few weeks. I don’t think anyone will criticise Rafa for returning to Spain to be with his wife at this time.
Wowww…😳😳😳. Everyone knows the mutual respect and admiration they have for each other, but this was absolutely incredible…rarest of the rare moments when a rivalry and friendship transcends the sport. This is truly extraordinary much like the borg mcenroe rivalry though levels above it.
All the best Rafa.
Rafa’s body was in London but his heart was in Spain. He’s such a caring soul and probably had all sorts of emotions running through him. Job done at the O2, he can now be with his dear wife.
Well said, Lorna!👍
I don’t think there’s anything to be unduly concerned about. If the newspaper reports are right, the baby is due within the next few weeks, so could come any day now, so it’s understandable that Rafa wants to be at home. He probably wouldn’t have played at all had he not wanted to be there out of respect and friendship for Roger.
Hope all is well. I too am concerned. God will take care of everything.
He wanted to be there for Roger, but now he needs to get back to Mery. I think everyone will understand that.
Hope everything is OK rafa
Rafa show much respect for Roger and now is time to go back home❤️
Rafa wants to be with Mery and that’s right. I think he played only because Roger asked him 10 days ago.
It’s the end of an era in tennis but what a farewell. We were all in tears. Rafa was so emotional too. Rivals but a friendship based on mutual respect, similar values and a passion for their sport.They transcend sport. The two best as ambassadors for sport. ❤️
I hope all is well with you RAFA We love you and hope all is well with your wife and family ❤️❤️🙏🏾🙏🏾🙏🏾