Why Rafael Nadal is not competing at the US Open? Spaniard makes calculated decision as he closes in on retirement plus when we will see him in action next

22-time Grand Slam winner Rafael Nadal will not grace the US Open with his presence this week.

The 38-year-old has withdrawn from the coveted competition in what would have likely been his last appearance in a Grand Slam as the Spaniard edges closer and closer to retirement. 

This is Nadal’s third Grand Slam to pull out from in 2024, having only made an appearance at his beloved Roland Garros in May to take part in the French Open. 

He most recently competed at the 2024 Paris Olympics alongside fellow Spaniard Carlos Alcaraz to create a doubles dream team. However the Spanish duo failed to reach a medal match. 

Nadal was originally lined up to take part in this year’s Open, having put his name on the entry list for Flushing Meadows, but he recently announced on his social media that he has withdrawn from the competition and here is why.

The Spaniard was set to take part but announced his withdrawal in early August via a X post

Nadal’s last competition to take part in was the 2024 Paris Olympics 

He competed in the doubles event alongside fellow Spaniard Carlos Alcaraz

Why Rafael Nadal is not at the US Open? 

Nadal was originally set to feature at Flushing Meadows this week, having placed his name on the entry list.

However he announced on X, formerly Twitter in early August that he would no longer be taking part. 

In the heartfelt post Nadal wrote:  

‘I will miss those electric and special night sessions in NYC at Ashe, but I don’t think I would be able to give my 100% this time. 

‘Thanks to all my US Fans in particular, will miss you all and will see you another time.  

‘Best of lucks to all for the always amazing US Open! 

‘My next event will be the Laver Cup in Berlin.’

The 38-year-old has only appeared in one US Open since he won the title in 2019

When will Nadal play next?

As the Spanish ace revealed in his X post, the next tournament he will take part in is the Laver Cup.

The competition which is set in Berlin will take place from Friday, September 20 until Sunday, September 22.

The unique competition pits six of Europe’s top players against six of the best players from the rest of the world.

The tournament is entering its seventh edition, and over the course of the three days five sessions will be played.

Some household names who have featured in past editions include Roger Federer, Novak Djokovic and Nadal himself. 

Whilst some big names from the rest of the world include Taylor Fritz, Nick Kyrgios and Felix Auger-Aliassime.