Rafael Nadal announced on Thursday that he will not be participating in next week’s Laver Cup in Berlin, creating uncertainty about when the Spanish tennis icon will make his return to competitive play.
Rafa’s full statement below:
“I’m really disappointed to share that I won’t be able to compete at the Laver Cup in Berlin next week.
This is a team competition and to really support Team Europe, I need to do what’s best for them and at this moment there are other players who can help the team deliver the win.
I have so many great, emotional memories from playing Laver Cup and I was really looking forward to being with my teammates and with Bjorn in his final year as Captain.
I wish Team Europe the very best of luck and will be cheering them on from afar.”
We wish Rafa all the best and hope to see him back on the court when he is ready and fully recovered!
I think it’s time to say goodbye😭
Hopefully we get to see Rafa play again but only when Rafa is ready.
I have my doubts. I think the Olympics was the last competition for Rafa….
Rafa’s biggest injury right now is between his ears. Just play. Do your best. We who love you will be cheering you on no matter what. If you want to keep playing, you have to step on the court. We don’t expect 25 year old Rafa. We just want Rafa.
No one fears Nadal anymore. Not even his injuries.
I am sorry to hear that your not playing the laver Cup your decision was right because you don’t want to let the team down vamos rafa for ever a fan.
I really hate to say this, but I think it’s time to call it a day. It’s not doing Rafa and his family any good for him to keep trying to get match fit if he can’t, and it’s not fair to fans and organisers to keep pulling out of events at the last minute.
Sadly, I am coming to that position too. Rafa has earned the right to retire when he is ready, but he also needs to think about his loyal fans too. I am sure some fans arranged to attend the Laver Cup only to see Rafa play.