It is unclear if Rafael Nadal plans to play again this season after he pulled out of next weeks Laver Cup.
The 22-time Grand Slam champion was set to play in the team event which will held in the German city of Berlin.
In a statement issued on Thursday, Nadal said he needed to do ‘what was best’ for Team Europe with other players more deserving of a place than him currently. There was no mention of any injury issues but the Spaniard has been troubled by physical issues throughout this year.
“I’m really disappointed to share that I won’t be able to compete at the Laver Cup in Berlin next week,” Nadal said in a statement that was shared by Laver Cup on Twitter.
“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.”
Nadal last played a match in June at the Paris Olympic Games in Roland Garros where he lost in the second round to novak Djokovic. He also played in the men’s doubles with Carlos Alcaraz. His last ATP event was the Swedish Open where he reached the final.
As for the Laver Cup a replacement for Nadal will be named in due course with Carlos Alcaraz, Alexander Zverev, Casper Ruud, Stefanos Tsitsipas and Daniil Medvedev set to represent Team Europe in Berlin.
