Tim Henman expressed his sadness with the fact that Rafael Nadal will not be playing at the US Open.
Four of his 22 Grand Slam titles came at Flushing Meadows, but Nadal ruled himself out of going for a fifth US Open in 2024.
The 38-year-old’s injuries have begun to take a toll on him physically. He has played sparingly since the start of his comeback after missing a year of action.
It remains to be seen how much longer Rafael Nadal plans to play after this season, but it is confirmed that fans will not see him play at Flushing Meadows next week.
What did Tim Henman say about Rafael Nadal’s US Open absence?
Since the start of the 2023 season, Nadal has played in just two Grand Slam events. He sustained injury at the 2023 Australian Open and entered the 2024 French Open where Nadal lost to Alexander Zverev in the first round.
Nadal’s last appearance came at the Olympic Games, when he was beaten by Novak Djokovic in singles and reached the doubles quarter-finals alongside Carlos Alcaraz.
But the former World number one has since withdrawn from the US Open stating he would “not be able to give his 100%.”
Following the news, though upset Nadal won’t be playing at the US Open, Tim Henman understands and respects his decision.
“I’m sad not to see Rafa in New York because he’s one of the greats of the game and any time you could see him on court with not only his skill but his energy and passion, it’s a great spectacle,” the former British number one told The Express.
“For him not to be there is disappointing for us fans but fingers crossed, he will be back on court. Rafa’s always been very careful and diligent with his schedule, making sure when he does play he’s ready and 100 per cent fit to play.
“If that’s not the case, he wants to give himself the best opportunity to get back on court, whenever that may be. These greats in any sport, they can’t play forever but hopefully we have a few more opportunities to enjoy Rafa when he is back on court.”
What is Rafael Nadal’s US Open record?
The US Open is Nadal’s most successful Grand Slam after the French Open.
He reached the final on five occasions and claimed the championship on four occasions. In two of those finals, he defeated his great rival Djokovic.
In 2010 he defeated the Serbian to triumph in New York for the first time and complete the career Grand Slam at just 24 years of age.
Nadal beat Djokovic again to claim his second title in 2013, before claiming two more in 2017 and 2019. He is level with Djokovic and John McEnroe for the second highest number of US Open titles won.
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