Why did Rafael Nadal withdraw from Laver Cup 2024? All you need to know about Spaniard's controversial announcement and why it has resulted in uproar

Tennis legend Rafael Nadal added fuel to the fire of his retirement rumours after withdrawing from the Laver Cup 2024. This was supposed to be the Spaniard's first professional outing since his Paris Olympics defeat in the second round against Novak Djokovic in the men's singles. He also competed in the men's doubles with French Open and Wimbledon champion Carlos Alcaraz. However, their run ended in the quarterfinals against Austin Krajicek and Rajeev Ram in straight sets 6-2, 6-4.

Nadal has suffered injuries and recently underwent hip surgery after the Australian Open. He has also had ankle and knee injuries lately, preventing him from being able to perform his best. The 14-time Roland Garros champion had earlier hinted to his fans that he would play in the Laver Cup, which got their hopes high. But Nadal said in a statement recently:

"I'm disappointed to share that I won't be able to compete at the Laver Cup in Berlin next week. This is a team competition, and to support Team Europe, I need to do what’s best for them, and at this moment, other players can help the team deliver the win."

Fans took to social media to voice their frustrations on Rafael Nadal's decision.

"Coming from maybe the biggest Rafan ever: all wrong. He never said he was *considering* playing LC, he told with absolute certainty he was playing LC which he knew he wouldn’t. People spent more money than they make in 6 months to be there FOR HIM. All wrong," one fan said.

Another fan spoke along similar lines, expressing their distress on missing out on getting to see Rafael Nadal play.

"Many people paid a lot of money to come and see him play... I don't care if he loses (I'm pretty sure he could play well in Doubles) but this doesn't sit right with me. I hope they can get Sinner because this is ridiculous."

Fans are not particularly happy with the absence of their favourite tennis star on the court. The Laver Cup organizers had confirmed that Nadal would be a part of the Team Europe in April.

Hence, his sudden withdrawal has raised concerns amongst his fans about his retirement and future plans. The Laver Cup will take place in Berlin from September 20-22.

Rafael Nadal was set to team up with compatriot Carlos Alcaraz again after the Olympics, as well as the likes of Daniil Medvedev, and Alexander Zverev under captain and tennis legend Bjorn Borg.

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Grigor Dimitrov replaces Rafael Nadal in Team Europe for the Laver Cup

Grigor Dimitrov. - Source: Getty

After Rafael Nadal's shock withdrawal from the Laver Cup 2024, Team Europe captain Bjorn Borg has replaced the Spaniard with Grigor Dimitrov who reached the quarterfinals at Flushing Meadows. Nadal said he didn't feel he could contribute to the team's victory through his performances and thus decided to drop out. He added in a statement:

"I have so many great, emotional memories from playing Laver Cup, and I look forward to being with my teammates and Bjorn in his final year as Captain. I wish Team Europe the best of luck and will cheer them on from afar.”

While this decision saddened his fans, Team Europe still looks strong. Tommy Paul and Alex de Minaur have also withdrawn from Team World due to injuries. Francisco Cerundolo and Thanasi Kokkinakis have replaced them.