Nadal withdraws from Laver Cup after doubles match with Federer

Rafael Nadal will not attend the remaining matches of the Laver Cup tennis tournament taking place in London, England.

 

“Rafael Nadal withdrew for personal reasons. He will be replaced by Cameron Norrie,” the Laver Cup organizers announced.

 

Reuters reports that Nadal is expecting his first child with wife Mery Perello. However, the “King of Clay” still decided to come to London because he wanted to play with Roger Federer in the Swiss legend’s last professional match.

 

In the doubles match on September 24, the two players who won 42 Grand Slams lost 6-4, 6-7, 9-11 to Jack Sock and Frances Tiafoe. It was also the match that ended Federer’s brilliant career after 24 years of playing professional tennis.

 

Neither Federer nor Nadal could contain their emotions. The Spaniard said of Federer: “I am honored to be a part of this great moment in the history of the sport. We share so many things together.”

 

“When Federer ended his career, an important part of my life was also lost. The moments he created next to or in front of me were all important moments in my life. It was difficult to happen.” , said Nadal emotional.

 

Before Nadal, Federer also announced that he would only attend the doubles match at the Laver Cup because of his poor health. “Express train” was replaced by Matteo Berrettini in the European team.

 

Without Federer and Nadal, the European team still proved too strong compared to the world team even though on the first day of competition, the two teams drew 2-2. On the second day of competition, the European team won 3 out of 4 matches with the brilliance of Novak Djokovic and Berrettini. These two players won two singles matches before winning the doubles together.

 

The European team are leading 8-4 after two days and need only two more wins on the last day of September 25 to successfully defend the championship. Laver Cup 2022 takes place during September 23-25 ​​in London, England. Every day, there are three singles and one doubles match. Each win on the first day gets 1 point, the second day 2 points and the third day 3 points. The European team won in all four tournaments.