Tennis fans are in clear agreement after Rafael Nadal’s withdrawal from the US Open

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Rafael Nadal’s withdrawal from the US Open has caused a stir among his fans who think a shock retirement announcement might be imminent.

Rafael Nadal’s long and legendary career at the top of the tower has seen a difficult, injury-hampered two years cause his dearest fans to fear the worst.

Nadal suffered his first ever opening round defeat at the French Open in June, falling to Alexander Zverev in straight sets.

Choosing to skip the entire grass court season to focus on the Olympics meant that Nadal’s only chance of appearing at a second major was at the US Open.

Despite forming a scintillating partnership with Carlos Alcaraz in the Olympic doubles, Nadal’s early singles exit to Djokovic left fans wondering when the game might be up.

The 38-year-old’s announcement on social media that he would be withdrawing from the US Open and focusing on the Laver Cup in Berlin has reminded many of Roger Federer’s retirement at the tournament two years ago.

‘Devastated’ Rafael Nadal fans agree that retirement might be closer than they hoped

Fans took to X to respond to Nadal’s withdrawal announcement, with many outlining their dread that his career might be coming to an end as early as this year.

One said: “Oh he is so retired, maybe it’s gonna be Madrid or RG next year but after that he is 100% done,” with another saying, “Baby it’s time for the R word.”

With concern and worry clearly permeating through to even the most hopeful of fans, one simply said: “Please tell me this isn’t what I think it’s going to be.”

Another distressed fan said: “Laver Cup…. I’m getting a feeling and it’s not a good one,” with another suggesting, “Maybe just like Roger, Rafa may retire at the Laver Cup.”

Don’t worry – Rafael Nadal won’t be retiring at the Laver Cup

While history says that Federer waited until the Laver Cup to partner Nadal in one last emotional doubles match, it won’t repeat itself this year.

Beyond Nadal wanting to be able to write his own legacy, the Laver Cup is more or less Federer’s creation, with the former player wanting to create a format similar to golf’s Ryder Cup.

While Nadal couldn’t confirm whether we would see him on Philippe-Chatrier again, it is obvious that he will be dying to remain fit for next year’s French Open.

If the Spaniard is going to retire anywhere, it’ll be at Roland Garros where a statue of him sits outside the front after his historic 14 titles there.