"Can’t be upset at players taking money"- Nick Kyrgios defends Rafael Nadal as Djokovic fan accuses him of favoring Laver Cup after US Open withdrawal

Nick Kyrgios recently came to the defense of Rafael Nadal after a Novak Djokovic fan accused him of favoring the 2024 Laver Cup following his withdrawal from the 2024 US Open. The Laver Cup is scheduled for September 20-22, 2024, after the US Open, which is set to begin on August 19, 2024.

Nadal is potentially playing in his final season as a professional player. After missing the 2023 season due to injuries, the Spaniard made a comeback this year at the Brisbane International. However, he has already missed two of this year's three Grand Slams (the Australian Open and the Wimbledon Championships) due to lack of full fitness.

Most recently, the former World No.1 competed in both singles and doubles events at the 2024 Paris Olympics, partnering with Carlos Alcaraz in the latter. He reached the second round in singles before losing to eventual gold medalist Novak Djokovic, and made a quarterfinal run in doubles before falling to eventual silver medalist American duo Rajeev Ram and Austin Krajicek.

After his exit from the Olympics, Rafael Nadal had expressed uncertainty about his participation at the 2024 US Open. Since then, the Spaniard had taken to social media to announce his withdrawal from the New York Slam, citing a lack of full fitness and inability to give his best effort.

The 22-time Grand Slam champion also revealed that his next tournament will be the 2024 Laver Cup, which will take place at the Uber Arena in Berlin and where he will represent Team Europe.

"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. 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," the Spaniard posted on X (formerly Twitter).

"Thanks to all my US Fans in particular, will miss you all and will see you another time. Best of lucks to all for the always amazing US Open! My next event will be the Laver Cup in Berlin," he added.

Following Rafael Nadal's withdrawal from the US Open, a Novak Djokovic fan accused him of intentionally skipping the US Open in favor of the Laver Cup, where he allegedly stands to receive a big appearance fee.

"A fully fit Nadal has withdrawn from the @usopen but will play in the Laver Cup a couple weeks after the US Open with a huge appearance fee," the fan posted.

However, Nick Kyrgios defended the former World No.1, stating that it was not fair to criticize a player for prioritizing and playing for money in their career.

"Can’t be upset at players taking money bro," Kyrgios replied.

Rafael Nadal's fourth & last US Open title so far came in 2019

Rafael Nadal [Source: Getty Images]

Rafael Nadal has four US Open titles to his name, with his most recent New York Slam title coming in 2019.

During the tournament, Nadal was seeded second and kicked off his campaign by defeating John Millman 6-3, 6-2, 6-2 in the first round. He then advanced to the third round after his second-round opponent, wildcard Thanasi Kokkinakis withdrew due to injuries.

The 24-time Grand Slam champion then overcame South Korean qualifier Hyeon Chung 6-3, 6-4, 6-2 and 22nd seed Marin Cilic 6-3, 3-6, 6-1, 6-2 in the third and fourth rounds respectively. The Spaniard continued his winning streak by defeating 20th seed Diego Schwartzman 6-4, 7-5, 6-2 in the quarterfinals and then triumphed over 24th seed Matteo Berrettini 7-6(6), 6-4, 6-1 in the semifinals.

In the summit clash, Rafael Nadal defeated fifth seed Daniil Medvedev 7–5, 6–3, 5–7, 4–6, 6–4 to win his fourth US Open title and his 19th Grand Slam title overall.