Nadal to miss US Open as career winds down

Rafael Nadal fulfilled growing indications that his iconic career is fast approaching its end as the Spaniard withdrew from the US Open.

The 22-time grand Slam champion who lost in the Paris Olympic second round last month to Novak Djokovic, made the revelation on social media.

“Hi everyone, I’m writing to you today to tell you that I have decided not to compete in this year’s US Open, a venue of which I have incredible memories. 

“I will miss those electric and special night sessions in New York at the Arthur Ashe, but I don’t think I will be able to give 100% this time around. 

“Thank you to all my fans in the United States. I will miss you all and will see you another time. 

“Best of luck to everyone at the always incredible US Open! My next event will be the Laver Cup in Berlin.”

The 38-year-old lifted the title at Flushing Meadows four times, the last in 2019. He missed three of the next four editions of the final major of the season.

The player whose career has been defined by injury has hinted more than once that his time on court may soon be over, but he has yet to clarify any specifics.

Main photo: US Open Tennis 2019 Rafa Nadal (ESP) with winners trophy after he wins Men’s Singles Final by Roger Parker International Sports Fotos Ltd