Rafael Nadal Won’t Play in 2024 US Open, Says He Wouldn’t Be Able to Give ‘100%’

Tennis fans will not get to watch Rafael Nadal at this year’s U.S. Open.

The legend announced Wednesday that he will not participate in the tournament in New York because “I don’t think I would be able to give my 100% this time.”

He also said his next appearance will come in the Laver Cup in Berlin in September.

This is nothing new for the 38-year-old Nadal at this point.

His absence means he will miss the U.S. Open four times in a five-year span with the one exception being in 2022 when he reached the fourth round before losing to American Frances Tiafoe.

Nadal will also miss three of the four Grand Slams this year with the French Open being his only appearance. He lost in his first match in the French Open and did not look like the version of himself that has won that tournament 14 times during his illustrious career.

Injuries have been a concern for Nadal in the latter portion of his career.

He also missed every major but the Australian Open in 2023 and has dealt with hip and abdominal issues in recent years. The health concerns, combined with his age and the overall wear and tear from a long career of tennis dominance, seems to suggest Nadal may not have many Grand Slam appearances remaining in his career.

The 22-time Grand Slam champion did play in the Paris Olympics and lost to Novak Djokovic in the second round of the singles competition. He reached the quarterfinals in the doubles contest while partnering with Carlos Alcaraz.

While Nadal didn’t make it official that he wouldn’t play in the U.S. Open until this announcement, Howard Fendrich of the Associated Press noted he hinted at his absence when speaking to reporters.

“Looks like not,” Nadal previously said. “But I’m going to let you know soon. For me, now, I can’t give you a clear answer. I need some time, but for me, (it) looks difficult.”