Rafael Nadal shares whether he’s definitely going to play in the US Open this year

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Rafael Nadal has in fact not yet decided if he will play in the US Open.

The 37-year-old is currently in Bastad playing at the Swedish Open, his first event since losing in the opening round of Roland Garros in May.

He is aiming to build his form in Scandinavia in a bid to have a strong campaign at the Paris Olympics starting on July 27.

This is set to be his final appearance at the Olympic Games, but following the event, the Spaniard’s schedule is unclear.

What did Rafael Nadal say about playing in the 2024 US Open?

Nadal has played just one major in 2023 so far, which came at Roland Garros. He suffered an opening round straight sets defeat to Alexander Zverev, but this came on his beloved clay courts.

The 22-time Grand Slam champion has not played a major on hard court since the 2023 Australian Open where he suffered an injury which ruled him out for a year.

Now back fit, Nadal was included on the entry list for the US Open, but he is unsure if he will take to the court.

“I needed to book to have the chance to decide that. That’s as simple as that. Nothing has changed for me. I am going to decide what’s going on after the Olympics,” he told reporters.

“I will be playing in the Laver Cup. But to be clear, and to not create, false expectations. I am not sure at all about being in New York. No decision today and the decision will not happen before the end of the Olympics.”

When did Rafael Nadal last play at the US Open?

Nadal last played in front of crowds at the US Open in 2022, where he reached the fourth round.

The former World number one went in search of a record-equalling fifth title in New York, but struggled to produce his best tennis.

He needed four sets to beat Rinky Hijikata and Fabio Fognini, before maintaining his unbeaten record against Richard Gasquet.

Nadal came up against an inspired Francis Tiafoe in the last 16, where the American claimed a 6-3, 4-6, 6-4, 6-3 victory and went on to reach the first Grand Slam semi-final of his career.