What Rafael Nadal has been spotted doing as the US Open edges closer to starting

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Though the US Open is set to commence without him, Rafael Nadal is hard at work as he prepares to play in the Laver Cup.

The Spaniard last competed at the Paris Olympic Games where he reached the doubles quarter-final alongside Carlos Alcaraz.

Though he was unable to win a medal, the Paris Games was a memorable one for the 38-year-old who carried the Olympic torch in the opening ceremony and formed a dream partnership with Alcaraz.

Nadal will not be competing at the upcoming US Open. Now he is preparing to make his first appearance at the Laver Cup since 2022 and is putting in the hard yards ahead of the team event next month.

Rafael Nadal training hard for the 2024 Laver Cup

The 14-time French Open champion is one of the hardest workers in tennis history and Nadal is aiming to be in good shape to represent Team Europe to the best of his ability at the Laver Cup.

Footage emerged on social media of the 22-time Grand Slam champion practicing on hard courts at his self-titled Rafael Nadal Academy.

The clip was uploaded to instagram by Matteo Morazzi, a tennis player who is training at the Rafael Nadal academy.

Nadal rallied with him and after trading some backhands and forehand cross court, he finished with a sumptuous forehand winner up the line.

Why is Rafael Nadal not playing at the US Open?

Many wondered if Nadal would compete at the US Open after his exploits at the Olympic Games.

But the former World number one announced via social media that he withdrew from the last Grand Slam of the season, stating he is not ready to compete at his highest level.

“Hi all, writing today to let you guys know that I have decided not to compete at this year’s US Open, a place where I have amazing memories,” he wrote on X.

“I will miss those electric and special night sessions in NYC at Ashe, but I don’t think I will be able to give my 100% this time.

“Thanks to all my US Fans in particular, I will miss you all and will see you another time. Best of luck to all for the always amazing US Open!  My next event will be the Laver Cup in Berlin.”

Nadal has not played at the US Open since 2022 and has featured in the tournament just once since he beat Daniil Medvedev to win his fourth title in 2019.