Rafael Nadal may have confirmed farewell tournament after latest tweak to 2024 schedule
Rafael Nadal has made an announcement on his schedule for 2024.
Rafael Nadal has confirmed he will represent Europe at the Laver Cup in September in what could be his final competitive event as a tennis player. Nadal has been confirmed in the line-up alongside fellow Spaniard Carlos Alcaraz, Daniil Medvedev and Alexander Zverev as Bjorn Borg's team bid to win back the trophy from Team World.
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The 37-year-old returned to action for the first time since January last week at the Barcelona Open. He was beaten in straight sets by Alex de Minaur after winning his first match against Flavio Cobolli. And following an injury-plagued last two years, speculation has been rife that he would retire following the French Open, which gets underway on May 20.
With 14 of Nadal's 22 Grand Slam titles coming in Paris, the tournament had been cited as the perfect stage for the 'King of Clay' to bow out. However, he now seems set to participate in Wimbledon and the US Open this year, with the Laver Cup following both those events on the weekend of September 20-22.
In a statement, Nadal said: "I am very happy to be playing Laver Cup in Berlin for Team Europe. I have some really special memories from my Laver Cup experiences, including all the emotions from London two years ago playing alongside Roger for the last time.
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"At this stage in my career I really want to go out there and make the most of every opportunity I am given. Teaming up is always an incredible experience and I have always enjoyed it, the competition is different and exciting. I’m looking forward to going to Berlin and helping Team Europe win back the Laver Cup."
Skipper Borg, who opted for Nadal for one of his 'Captain's picks' and still has two names to finalise on his six-man roster, added that he is 'thrilled' to have Nadal on board. "Rafa is an absolute legend in our sport, a true champion in every sense of the word," said the Swede.
"It’s my last year as Captain. Having him on Team Europe this year was a goal of mine and I’m thrilled he has accepted my invitation and will be with us in Berlin."
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Nadal duly to broke down in tears after his last match in the event back in 2022, which signified the last time Federer would appear on a court in a professional match. The iconic pair were beaten in an epic doubles contest by Jack Sock and Frances Tiafoe.
Like the Swiss maestro, that proved Nadal's only involvement in the competition, flying home the following morning for personal reasons. The event also signified the first time the Europeans had lost the competition since the inaugural tournament in Prague in 2017.
