“It seems difficult to me” – Nadal casts doubt on US Open participation

Rafael Nadal has cast doubt on his participation at the 2024 US Open, having previously appeared on the entry list for the tournament.

Speaking to Spanish newspaper La Marca following his quarter-final exit from the Paris Olympic Games alongside Carlos Alcaraz, the 22-time Grand Slam champion indicated that it looked unlikely he would be in New York for the final major of the year.

“It seems not,” he said when asked whether he would play the US Open.

“But I will tell you soon. As for me, I can’t give you a clearer answer. I need some time, but it seems difficult to me.”

This revelation will come as a surprise to US Open tournament organisers, as well as fans of the Spaniard, who had hoped that Nadal would play in New York after his name was put forward for the official entry list earlier this month.

However, Nadal has always maintained that no plans had been made one way or another for after the Olympic Games and that he would reassess his options after Paris.

Following his exit from the men’s doubles earlier this evening, that time has now come and Nadal must assess how he feels physically, mentally and motivationally before deciding if and when to end his career.

Despite having formerly stated that 2024 was likely to be his last season on tour, hopes had been raised that Nadal’s form throughout the clay-court season and a renewed motivation to visit the tournaments he missed through injury in the first quarter of the year may mean he is open to extending his farewell into next season.

If Nadal were to miss the US Open, it would not necessarily mean he had played his last competitive tennis match. It is worth noting that he has also been included in Team Europe’s line-up for this September’s Laver Cup.

When speaking about his experience in the Games, Nadal again reiterated that he did not know whether that was his final appearance Roland-Garros.

“Maybe. I don’t know. I think that if it was the last, it would be an unforgettable feeling and emotion. They gave me their love and support every second I spent on the court.

“For me, it’s great, super-special to feel that, especially in this place. I can’t thank them enough for the emotions I experienced.

“I don’t know what the future holds for me, but if it was the last time, I took advantage of it and it was a pleasure.”

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