Rafael Nadal has announced he will skip the Laver Cup in Berlin next week, prioritizing recovery over competition as he works to regain full fitness. The tennis legend shared the news Thursday, calling it a 'difficult decision' for the team-focused event. 🩺
Nadal, 38, hasn't played since his early exit at the 2024 Paris Olympics, where he fell to rival Novak Djokovic. He also withdrew from the U.S. Open earlier this year amid ongoing physical challenges. 😢
"I need to do what's best for the team," Nadal said in a statement, praising teammates who can "help deliver the win." The 22-time Grand Slam winner added that he'll cheer on Team Europe from afar, calling the Laver Cup "one of the most emotional events" in his career.
Fans last saw Nadal at the Laver Cup in 2022, when he partnered with Roger Federer during the Swiss star's farewell match—a moment many consider iconic in tennis history. 🏆
Currently ranked outside the top 150 due to persistent injuries, Nadal remains focused on a strategic comeback. Will 2025 be his year? 👀
