It remains uncertain whether 22-Grand Slam champion Rafael Nadal will participate in the 2024 US Open, as he secured a spot on the entry list through a protected ranking.
In the men’s competition, Jannik Sinner, Novak Djokovic, and Carlos Alcaraz hold the first, second, and third positions respectively, with Nadal currently placed at No. 9. Protected rankings are granted to esteemed players who have been absent for an extended period, typically due to injuries. Nadal’s current standing in the ATP live rankings is at No. 242.
US Open Men’s Singles entry list is OUT.
As expected, Rafael Nadal is playing with protected ranking, after missing last year.
Carreño, Shapovalov, Opelka, Kwon, Stricker also using PR.
Goffin last in, McDonald first alternate. pic.twitter.com/ZfXoATx1tM
— José Morgado (@josemorgado) July 16, 2024
In three out of the past four years, Nadal was unable to compete in the US Open due to various reasons. Despite these setbacks, he has emerged victorious in the tournament on four occasions. Most recently, in 2019, Nadal triumphed in an intense five-set match against Daniil Medvedev. However, in 2022, Nadal’s journey came to an end in the fourth round, where he was defeated by Frances Tiafoe.
The 38-year-old Spanish star has been struggling with injuries the past few years and is considering retirement at the end of this season. He recently skipped the grass court at Wimbledon to prepare for the 2024 Paris Olympics taking place at Roland Garros, home of the French Open. Nadal has been training on clay and said he thinks his body will do better if he stays consistent with surfaces.
Currently, he is participating in both singles and doubles at the Swedish Open alongside Casper Ruud. In the first round on Tuesday, Nadal triumphed over Leo Borg, the son of Bjorn Borg, an 11-time Grand Slam champion, with a score of 6-3, 6-4. Following a day of rest, he will confront Cameron Norrie in the round of 16 on Thursday.
On August 22, the draw for the 2024 US Open will be conducted. The highly anticipated main event is scheduled to commence on Monday, August 26 at the USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center located in Queens, New York.
