Tennis's fourth and final grand slam of the calendar year, the US Open, gets underway on Monday. August 26.
The great Rafael Nadal has enjoyed some memorable moments on Flushing Meadows' storied courts but has been compromised by injuries this season as his incredible career seemingly moves towards a conclusion.
The 38-year-old took part in both the singles and men’s doubles competitions in Paris at his old Roland-Garros stomping ground. Nadal was beaten by long-time rival Novak Djokovic in the singles before also being unable to medal in the doubles despite a dream-team matchup with Carlos Alcaraz.
Nevertheless, with some recent competitive action under his belt, will Nadal take part at the US Open, potentially for the final time?
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Is Rafael Nadal playing at the US Open?
On August 7, a week after he and Alcaraz exited the Olympics, Nadal posted on Twitter/X to confirm he would not take part in the US Open.
"I have decided not to compete at this year's US Open a place where I have amazing memories," Nadal said.
"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.
"Thanks to all my U.S. fans in particular, will miss you all and will see you another time."
Nadal was due to be the ninth seed in New York but will be replaced in the men's singles draw by USA's world No. 140 Mackenzie McDonald.
Speaking about Nadal's absence, US Open Tournament Director Stacey Allaster said: "We wish him all the best and look forward to having him back at the USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center."
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.
— Rafa Nadal (@RafaelNadal) August 7, 2024
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.
Thanks… pic.twitter.com/FluGRWUzIp
Is Rafael Nadal retiring?
Nadal is yet to confirm his longer-term future plans amid mounting speculation that he will follow contemporaries Roger Federer and Andy Murray into retirement.
His only remaining tournament commitment in 2024 is the Laver Cup in Berlin from September 20-22. Federer brought down the curtain on his own history-making career at the team event in 2022.
After attending the match between Real Mallorca and Real Madrid in LaLiga over the weekend, Nadal told El Desmarque: "I am not in a period of reflection, I am on vacation. I try not to think about things on vacation so that they are better.
"I will return to training this Monday, I have the Laver Cup in a few weeks but I will take it easy.
"I am in no hurry to make one decision or another, when I make it I will tell you without any problem. I cannot live day by day thinking about when I will retire, I live my path and when I make a decision we will all know it."
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Rafael Nadal US Open record
Nadal won the first of his four US Open titles in 2010 when he beat Djokovic in straight sets to crown a phenomenal season. He also won the French Open and Wimbledon, making him the first man to win grand slams on clay, grass and hard court in the same year.
Djokovic gained revenge in the 2011 final before Nadal came out on top once more in 2013.
A more routine success followed in straight sets against big-serving South African Kevin Anderson in 2017 and Nadal regained the US Open title two years later when he prevailed in a five-set epic with Daniil Medvedev.