The fourth and final Grand Slam tournament of the year, the US Open, begins on Monday, August 26th.
The great Rafael Nadal has enjoyed some memorable moments on the historic courts of Flushing Meadows, but has been hampered by injuries this season as his incredible career seemingly draws to a close.
The 38-year-old took part in both the singles and the men’s doubles in Paris, his old home at Roland-Garros. Nadal lost in the singles to his long-time rival Novak Djokovic before failing to win a medal in the doubles despite a dream team duel with Carlos Alcaraz.
Having gained some competitive experience recently, will Nadal still take part in the US Open – possibly for the last time?
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Will Rafael Nadal play at the US Open?
On August 7, a week after he and Alcaraz left the Olympics, Nadal confirmed on Twitter/X that he would not participate in the US Open.
“I have decided not to compete in this year’s US Open, a place where I have incredible memories,” Nadal said.
“I will miss those electrifying and special night sessions at Ashe in NYC, but I don’t think I could give 100% this time.
“Thanks especially to all my US fans, you will all be missed and we will see you another time.”
Nadal was supposed to be seeded ninth in New York, but will be replaced in the men’s singles draw by Mackenzie McDonald, number 140 in the world, from the USA.
Regarding Nadal’s absence, US Open tournament director Stacey Allaster said: “We wish him all the best and are excited to have him back at the USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center.”
Hello everyone, I am writing to inform you that I have decided not to participate in the US Open this year, a place I have great memories of.
I will miss those electrifying and special night sessions at Ashe in NYC, but I don’t think I could give 100% this time.
Thanks… pic.twitter.com/FluGRWUzIp— Rafa Nadal (@RafaelNadal) 7 August 2024
Is Rafael Nadal retiring?
Nadal has yet to confirm his longer-term future plans amid growing speculation that he will retire like his contemporaries Roger Federer and Andy Murray.
His only remaining tournament date in 2024 is the Laver Cup in Berlin from September 20 to 22. Federer ended his historic career at this team event in 2022.
After attending the Real Mallorca-Real Madrid match in LaLiga at the weekend, Nadal told El Desmarque: “I am not in a period of reflection, I am on holiday. I try not to think about things when I am on holiday so that they become better.”
“I will start training again this Monday. The Laver Cup is in a few weeks, but I will take it easy.
“I’m in no hurry to make one decision or another. When I make it, I’ll tell you without any problem. I can’t live day after day thinking about when I’m going to retire. I live my way and when I make a decision, we’ll all know.”
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Rafael Nadal US Open record
Nadal won the first of his four US Open titles in 2010, beating Djokovic in straight sets to cap a phenomenal season. He also won the French Open and Wimbledon, becoming the first man to win Grand Slams on clay, grass and hard courts in the same year.
Djokovic was able to take revenge in the 2011 final before Nadal prevailed again in 2013.
A more routine straight-set win over strong-serving South African Kevin Anderson followed in 2017, and two years later Nadal won the US Open title again, beating Daniil Medvedev in an epic five-set match.
