Laver Cup 2024: Top five players who have withdrawn from the event ft. Rafael Nadal, Jannik Sinner

The Laver Cup 2024 is an international indoor hard court men’s team tennis tournament between Team Europe and Team World, the latter of which is composed of players from all other continents, except Europe. The tournament is taking place a few weeks post the US Open, but due to its clash with the final stages of the Davis Cup 2024, several players are expected to not feature in this year’s Laver Cup.

On the brighter side, the tournament provides the likes of Russian and Belarusian players like Daniil Medvedev, to get back onto the court. With several seasoned stars set to miss the competition, let’s take a look at the top five players who have withdrawn from Laver Cup 2024.

5. Matteo Berrettini

The Italian star is currently playing at the Davis Cup 2024 and will miss Laver Cup 2024. He is part of the defending champions’ squad at the Davis Cup, Matteo Berrettini carries the weight of expectations, as he is the torch-bearer of the nation’s hopes to defend their title in the absence of Jannik Sinner.

Berrettini had recently risen to form after missing out on months of action and went on to win the Austrian Open and Swiss Open, before facing early exits in Cincinnati and at the US Open.

4. Holger Rune

After a last-minute withdrawal from the 2023 Laver Cup, Holger Rune’s absence from the event is set to continue with the Dane missing out on the event this year as well due to an injury. Following a disappointing US Open, where he was handed a first round defeat at the hands of Brandon Nakashima, the Danish player will now instead compete at the Hangzhou Open.

The talented 21-year old will desperately hope to regain some form before the highly-anticipated Six Kings Slam exhibition event set to take place in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.

Also Read: Rafael Nadal withdraws from Laver Cup 2024

3. Rafael Nadal

After an emotional 2023 Laver Cup where Roger Federer bid adieu to the sport after losing his doubles match alongside Rafael Nadal, the Spaniard has now withdrawn from the Laver Cup. In a gut-wrenching post, Nadal informed fans about his decision stating that there are better players than him who can represent the team.

A statement from @RafaelNadal regarding Laver Cup Berlin 2024: “I’m really disappointed to share that I won’t be able to compete at the Laver Cup in Berlin next week.This is a team competition and to really support Team Europe, I need to do what’s best for them and at this… pic.twitter.com/Y9i0T61kbA

— Laver Cup (@LaverCup) September 12, 2024

Rafael Nadal’s absence from international tennis competitions since his appearance at the Paris Olympics 2024, where he was defeated by Novak Djokovic in the singles second round and lost to the American pairing in doubles, has fuelled speculation of his potential retirement.

2. Jannik Sinner

The recently-crowned US Open 2024 champion will not return to action at the event in Berlin, as he is instead extending support to his homeland by cheering on for Italy at the Davis Cup. Jannik Sinner defeated Taylor Fritz in the final of the US Open to win his second Grand Slam of the calendar year.

The current World No. 1 is expected to be in action at the Shanghai Masters. which would be followed by the highly-decorated Six Kings Slam.

1. Novak Djokovic

The 24-time Grand Slam champion will understandably miss the Laver Cup 2024 as his country Serbia continues to remain in the hunt for glory at the Davis Cup. Novak Djokovic, who cruised through his first match will hope to add another title to his already illustrious cabinet.

Despite the underwhelming performance at Flushing Meadows, the Serbian will hold his head high after the miraculous performance in Paris, winning the Olympic gold despite an injured knee.

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