Rafael Nadal, a 22-time Grand Slam champion, announced on Wednesday that he will not compete in the upcoming US Open. The 38-year-old Spaniard cited his inability to perform at his best as the reason for his withdrawal.
"I don't think I would be able to give my 100 percent this time," Nadal posted on X, formerly Twitter.
Nadal, a four-time US Open champion, plans to return to competition at next month's Laver Cup in Berlin.
This marks Nadal's sixth absence in the past seven Grand Slam tournaments, with his only appearance being a first-round exit at this year's French Open.
"Hi all, writing today to let you guys know that I have decided not to compete at this year's US Open, a place where I have amazing memories," Nadal posted. "I will miss those electric and special night sessions in NYC at Ashe. Thanks to all my US fans in particular, will miss you all and will see you another time. Best of luck to all for the always amazing US Open!"
Nadal competed in the Paris Olympics at Roland Garros, where he has won 14 French Open singles titles. He won Olympic singles gold in 2008 but was defeated by eventual champion Novak Djokovic in the second round of the singles event. Nadal also reached the doubles quarter-finals with Carlos Alcaraz.
Last month in Bastad, Nadal reached his first ATP final since 2022, losing to Portugal's Nuno Borges.
Nadal's most recent Grand Slam title came at the 2022 French Open. His last US Open victory was in 2019. With his withdrawal this year, he will have missed four of the past five US Opens, except for his run to the fourth round in 2022.
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