Spanish tennis legend Alex Corretja has admitted he was “really surprised” and “a little alarmed” to learn Rafael Nadal had decided to pull out of the 2024 Laver Cup.
Nadal has not played since the end of July at the 2024 Olympic Games in Paris, where he reached the second round in singles and the quarter-finals in doubles.
The 38-year-old tennis legend chose not to compete at the US Open after appearing on the entry list and was set to make his return to action at the Laver Cup, which will run from September 20-22.
The 22-time Grand Slam champion announced on Thursday, though, that he “won’t be able” to play and claimed his withdrawal would benefit Team Europe in Berlin.
“I’m really disappointed to share that I won’t be able to compete at the Laver Cup in Berlin next week,” said Nadal in a social media post.
“This is a team competition and to really support Team Europe, I need to do what’s best for them and at this moment there are other players who can help the team deliver the win.
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“I have so many great, emotional memories from playing Laver Cup and I was really looking forward to being with my teammates and with Bjorn (Borg) in his final year as Captain.
“I wish Team Europe the very best of luck and will be cheering them on from afar.”
World No 10 Grigor Dimitrov has taken Nadal’s place in Bjorn Borg’s six-man squad, joining Alexander Zverev, Carlos Alcaraz, Daniil Medvedev, Casper Ruud and Stefanos Tsitsipas.
Speaking to Eurosport, Corretja admitted he did not expect Nadal’s decision and expressed his concern over when his compatriot will be ready to compete again.
“I was really surprised because I thought the Laver Cup was a more relaxed competition, although once they’re there, the teams always want to win, but you can play singles or doubles, it can be adapted more to what you need,” the Spaniard said.
“When I read yesterday that he wasn’t going to compete, I was a little alarmed: if he’s not ready to compete in the Laver Cup, when will he be? I hope he recovers or when he feels he’s fit again, he’ll go back to where he thinks is appropriate.”
The former world No 2 also suggested Nadal could feature for Spain at the Davis Cup Finals in November.
“To be in the Davis Cup final phase in Malaga would be an impressive goal for Rafa and the entire Spanish team,” Corretja added.
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