Rafael Nadal withdraws from Laver Cup due to ‘personal reasons’
Rafael Nadal’s withdrawal from the 2018 Laver Cup has come as a shock with many pundits suggesting he was playing with a bad back and being forced to withdraw for medical reasons.
Though Nadal’s withdrawal isn’t surprising or a sign of poor fitness, his withdrawal certainly comes as a surprise with the world number two having been a regular for the past three years since making his debut in 2012.
He was forced to withdraw himself from the draw after his second round against American youngster Stefan Kozlov and was then withdrawn from the draw for the third round against Spain’s Diego Schwartzman.
It is not yet known how serious his health issues are but, with his career seemingly over, the tennis world will now have to wait to find out how his recovery will unfold.
After suffering the first two rounds of Laver Cup, Nadal, who has played every three weeks following his withdrawal, has played just two matches since his withdrawal.
The Laver Cup is one of the most prestigious tournaments in the world, with players such as Roger Federer and Andy Murray on the roster. In fact, Federer and Murray are the only two players to have reached the final of each of the four events that have taken place in the past.
Rafael Nadal and Caroline Wozniacki had a fantastic time during the 2017 Laver Cup. The Spaniard won both of his matches at the tournament and Wozniacki has shown her potential when playing for the Fed Cup team.
Nadal won the doubles category with his partner Maria Sharapova and it is likely that Federer and Murray will make their way to the final since they are both currently with the Fed Cup team.
The final of the Laver Cup will take place at London’s O2 Arena on October 6 and, to make sure the tennis world is aware of his absence, the world number one has tweeted a video of him playing Wimbledon on Sunday, October 4, to show support for his injured rival.
This is the video of Rafael Nadal playing Wimbledon on September 27
Nadal has been the world number one since 2011, but the Spaniard is currently under