The World No.1 wants to remain fit for the U.S. Open.
Rafael Nadal has played his last U.S. Open warmup match. The World No.1 has announced his withdrawal from this week’s Western and Southern Open at Cincinnati.


Nadal, who claimed the Rogers Cup title on Sunday by defeating Stefanos Tsitsipas 6-2, 7-6(4), hinted that this might be the case after the final.

“I really just finished, do pictures with all the staff here,” Nadal said when asked about his impending decision. “I need to come back to speak with my team, to speak with the people who are close to me and really make a decision about what is going on in the next week and the next couple of weeks.”

Tennis Express

Nadal admitted that there is a lot to consider when it comes to a big decision such as this, including Spain’s upcoming Davis Cup semifinal against France in Lille on September 14-16.

“As you know, I only want to play,” he said. “I want to be everywhere. I love this sport. I don't like to miss events. But at some point if I don't stop for myself, my body stop me. So that's the experience that I have. So I have to talk with the people who are next to me and make a decision about the next week and about the schedule until the end of the season.”

Not long after, Nadal announced his withdrawal. He released the following statement:

"I am very sorry to announce that I won’t be playing in Cincinnati this year. No other reason than personally taking care of my body and trying to keep as healthy as I feel now. I am very thankful to my friend Andre Silva, Tournament Director of the Cincinnati tournament, who after speaking to him on the phone understood what I said to him and understands the situation. I am sure the tournament will be a success and I wish him and his team all the best.”

He added: "I am also sad for those amazing fans in Cincy who always gave me great support. I am sure I’ll see them next year and I am sorry I won’t be with them this year.”

Top-seeded Nadal will be replaced by a lucky loser in the draw.

print