Rafael Nadal withdraws from Laver Cup for personal reasons
Rafael Nadal withdrew from the Laver Cup on Saturday for personal reasons, according to his press representative.
On Friday, Nadal played his final professional match alongside Roger Federer in the team tournament between Europe and the rest of the globe in London, losing in a decisive match tiebreak against Jack Sock and Frances Tiafoe.
Nadal, 36, has been dealing with an abdominal issue for the whole of the summer. He had to withdraw from his Wimbledon semifinal due to discomfort, and he had additional troubles with it after losing in the fourth round of the US Open.
After a joint news conference with Federer in the early hours of Saturday morning, Nadal informed reporters at London’s O2 Arena that he needed to return home.
“I’m not good at all,” Nadal said. “In that regard, these have been trying weeks.” Few, very few hours of sleep, overall tension, and slightly more tough conditions at home.
“As a result, I’ve had to deal with all of that, which is a different kind of pressure than you’re used to in your professional life.” But, thankfully, everything is well and we are lot more at ease. And in that sense, I was allowed to come here, which was the most significant thing for me.”
Nadal won the Australian Open in January and the French Open for the 14th time, bringing his Grand Slam total to a record 22.
