Rafael Nadal withdrew from the remainder of the Laver Cup on Saturday morning for “personal reasons”, his An ESPN spokesperson confirmed.
The official decision comes after Nadal hinted at his withdrawal after the emotional doubles match on Friday night alongside Roger Federer, in the last match of Federer’s career. The duo lost in a tiebreak to Jack Sock and Frances Tiafoe, but provided a number of memorable moments throughout the evening, including a passionate post-match hug.
After a joint press conference with Federer, in which he spoke glowingly about his longtime rival, Nadal met with Spanish reporters at the O2 Arena in London and told them he needed to go home.
“I’m not good, I’m not good,” Nadal said on ESPN. “The truth is, these weeks have been tough in that sense. Few hours of sleep, less stress in general, and more difficult than usual situations at home.
“As a result, well, I’ve had to deal with all of that, and it’s a different pressure than the one you’re used to in your career. But, well, fortunately, it’s all good and we’re a lot calmer. And in that sense, I was able to come here, which It was the most important thing for me.”
Nadal, 36, had an abdominal injury that forced him to retire ahead of this year’s semi-final match at Wimbledon. The illness continued after the loss in the fourth round of the US Open.
However, Nadal wanted to make sure he would be on hand to be a part of Federer’s farewell to tennis at the Laver Cup.
“With Roger leaving the tour, yes, an important part of my life is also leaving because all the moments he’s been through or in front of me,” Nadal said. He said after the match. “So [it’s] It was emotional to see the family, to see all the people.”
Nadal won the Australian Open in January and extended his dominance at the French Open with 14 singles titles, taking his record Grand Slam titles to 22.
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