Why Is Rafael Nadal Not Playing at the US Open 2021?
Follow Us
World No.5 Rafael Nadal withdrew from the upcoming 2021 US Open last week. The Spaniard cited a chronic left foot injury as the reason for his withdrawal, which kept him out for two months after the French Open.
After his semifinal loss to Novak Djokovic at Roland Garros, Nadal skipped the Wimbledon Championships and Tokyo Olympics to recover from the foot injury.
The 20-time Grand Slam champion made his return on the tour at the Citi Open earlier this month, however, the pain in his foot persisted and he subsequently pulled out from the National Bank Open in Toronto.
ADVERTISEMENT
Article continues below this ad
Rafael Nadal withdraws from US Open due to foot injury
Ultimately, after discussing with his doctors, Nadal announced he would miss the remaining 2021 season, via an Instagram video. The news was heartbreaking for the fans since they expected Nadal to recover before the US Open.
“During the past year I was not practising and preparing myself the way that I need to to be competitive at the standards that I want to be, so we had to take that decision. But I am confident that I will recover 100 per cent and I will be able to fight again for the most important things,” said Nadal.
Trending
Coco Gauff Drops Adorable Wish to Celebrate Boyfriend’s Birthday Amid Hectic Madrid Open Stint
April 27, 2024 03:00 PM EDT
‘Why Are You So Stressed Out?’- Roger Federer’s Wife Mirka Turned Huge Inspiration for Zendaya’s ‘Challengers’, Confesses Script-Writer
April 28, 2024 03:49 PM EDT
‘Can’t Stand Her’- Tennis Fans Left Unimpressed as Danielle Collins Displays Fit of Rage at Madrid Open
April 28, 2024 08:57 PM EDT
Madrid Open: Rafael Nadal Loses Cool at Chair Umpire Fergus Murphy in Heated Scenes After Getting Robbed Off a Challenge
April 27, 2024 04:30 PM EDT
Madrid Open 2024: Mirra Andreeva vs Jasmine Paolini; Preview, Head-to-Head, Prediction
April 29, 2024 08:16 AM EDT
Get instantly notified of the hottest Tennis stories via Google! Click on Follow Us and Tap the Blue Star.
Follow Us
ADVERTISEMENT
Article continues below this ad
In the message, Nadal mentioned it’s the same injury he’s been suffering since 2005. Then a 19-year-old, Nadal suffered a rare congenital bone problem in the bridge of his left foot, an issue he’s been dealing with ever since.
This marks the second consecutive year Nadal wouldn’t compete at the US Open. Last year, the 4-time US Open champion skipped the tournament because of the COVID-19 restrictions.
ADVERTISEMENT
Article continues below this ad
Injuries have hampered Nadal’s career on numerous occasions. In 2012, he missed the second half of the season owing to tendinitis in his knee. Similarly, he skipped the latter half of the 2014 season due to a wrist injury.
Apart from Nadal, his arch-rivals Roger Federer and Dominic Thiem have also withdrawn from the US Open. Nadal finishes this season with a 24-5 record and two titles, in Barcelona and Rome.