Rafael Nadal announces he will NOT compete at this year’s US Open as tennis legend, 38, hints at injury struggles

Tennis superstar Rafael Nadal has announced he will not compete at this year’s US Open. 

Nadal said in a social media post on Wednesday at he would not ‘be able to give my 100%’ at this time. 

Nadal competed at the Paris Olympics, losing in the second round to longtime rival Novak Djokovic, and in doubles alongside Carlos Alcaraz, where the Spanish duo fell in the quarterfinals. 

Nadal said he will return to tennis for the Laver Cup in Berlin later in September. 

Although Nadal does not outright state he not in full health, the 38-year-old legend’s post hints at injury struggles. 

Rafael Nadal said Wednesday he will miss the US Open this year while hinting at an injury

‘Hi all, writing today is 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 said on social media. ‘I will miss those electric and special night sessions in NYC at Ashe, but I don’t think I would be able to give my 100% this time.’ 

Nadal has won 22 career Grand Slam titles, with four of them coming at the US Open. 

Nadal most recently won the US Open in 2019, along with winning the American slam in 2010, 2013, and 2017. 

The 38-year-old also missed last year’s US Open with a hip injury. 

Nadal’s last appearance on the New York City hardcourts was in 2022, when he was eliminated in the Round of 16 by Frances Tiafoe. 

Nadal’s next chance at a Grand Slam victory will now be next year at the Australian Open. 

The Spaniard’s bread and butter has always been the French Open, where he has won 14 of his Grand Slam victories, including his most-recent major tournament triumph in 2022.