ATP star Rafael Nadal brought a calm after the storm among tennis supporters. His sudden withdrawal from the Laver Cup caused major anxiety in the fraternity. However, the legend has spoken for himself. While Nadal’s message exactly didn’t bring the gift they were looking for, it put an end to their anxious nights, leaving an important question: Will Nadal play next year?

Nadal sent a relieving message to his supporters today. While Nadal didn’t state the reason for his disengagement, he mentioned he needed to “do what’s best for them and at this moment there are other players who can help the team deliver the win.” Nadal also expressed his emotions by recalling his memories from the tournament and revealing how badly he wanted to be a part of Team Europe in Bjorn Borg’s final year as a captain. Nadal’s last match was in the Paris Olympics, where he played in the quarterfinals partnering with Carlos Alcaraz. His withdrawal from three Grand Slam tournaments and the Laver Cup has made his supporters anxious about his health.

According to Eurosport, Nadal confirmed not having any physical problems. “Right now I’m not in a position to win anything. I said that I would play until the Paris 2024 Olympic Games and then we would see, and I am in that time of rest,” said the Spaniard. He confirmed having a great time at home and enjoying other things. Nadal also revealed he has been training daily according to his capacity.

The ATP star simply referred to the inappropriate form for his withdrawal decision. Mentioning how he hasn’t “competed for a while,” Nadal felt another player in his position might benefit Team Europe more for the cup. His statement appeared bittersweet to many since they were looking forward to his participation, and also because it was the legend’s last Laver Cup tournament. However, Nadal put the team’s best interest forward and showed why deserves to be respected in his sport.

While Nadal’s recent message has relieved the fraternity, his sudden exit also sparked rumors of his retirement. However, the legend might have something differently planned. Why does it feel so?

Is Rafael Nadal retiring this year?

One of the biggest talk of the town this year was Nadal’s retirement. His recent injury-stricken off-the-court time and improper form impacted his ability to bring a good comeback to the court. He also played his last match in Madrid’s clay court, leaving the attendees emotional as they gave a standing ovation. But things changed since the Roland Garros. What was planned to be his last French Open became another tournament from his 2024 season.

The Mallorcan legend refused any farewell commemoration. According to a June issue of Eurosport, the legend said he might play next year. The reason? “I feel like I’m finding the pleasure of playing again, having fun. I want to give myself a chance to see if my physique remains at this level or if it is only a temporary moment and that it starts to go wrong again,” Nadal said.

However, he also mentioned seeing his form after the Paris Olympics to decide on his retirement. Now that he withdrew from the Laver Cup, the speculation is a flip of a coin. Despite that, Nadal’s physical fitness has delighted the fraternity with a hope that he might soon play his last tournament offering his iconic performance one last time to the tennis lovers. Are you waiting for that day?