Rafael Nadal was the soul of Team Europe with Roger Federer during this edition of the Laver Cup.
The Spanish sensation was a bit struggling with his left hand already at the beginning of the competition, but eventually he decided to play singles and doubles on day2. That was a strange decision as it looked unplausible that he could make it playing singles and doubles back to back on the same day. Finally, he did it, but he played the price the day after as he wasn’t able to compete in the most important session of the competition when there were 3 points at stake per match.
Unfortunately, the fans lost 2 finger-licking matches with Nadal out. The Mallorcan was meant to team-up with Federer in doubles and soon after he had to face Nick Kyrgios (and we all know how much they “love” each other).
Eventually, Federer decided to play doubles with Tsitsipas (vs. Sock and Isner) and Dominic Thiem got Rafa’s spot against Kyrgios.
Nadal’s comment about his injury
Rafa commented:
“I’ve had an amazing time playing here at the Laver Cup and I’m so disappointed I’m not able to play again today, but I have some inflammation in my hand and I need to rest. The atmosphere has been amazing here in Geneva and of course I’m going to be there for all my teammates and do everything I can to support them and help Team Europe win the Laver Cup.”
Rafael Nadal’s ranking and performance in 2019
Ranked no.2, Rafael played his last match on the 8th of September when he defeated Daniil Medvedev 7-5 6-3 5-7 4-6 6-4 in the final in U.S. Open to win his 84th career title.
This year Rafael has a 47-6 win-loss record. Nadal has won 4 titles in 2019 in Rome, at the French Open, in Montreal and at the U.S. Open. Rafael was the finalist at the Australian Open.
