Nick Kyrgios makes feelings clear on Rafael Nadal controversy with tennis icon to miss US Open

Nick Kyrgios has jumped to the defence of Rafael Nadal after the Spaniard confirmed he would miss the US Open later this month. The 38-year-old is currently in the twilight years of his career, with years of injuries starting to take a toll. Nadal has to be careful with how much tennis he plays at a time when he is widely expected to retire at the end of the year.

Writing recently on X, the tennis icon confirmed he won’t be participating at the US Open. He said: “Hi all, writing today to let you guys know that I have decided not to compete at this year’s US Open a place where I have amazing memories. “I will miss those electric and special night sessions in NYC at Ashe, but I don’t think I would be able to give my 100 per cent this time. “Thanks to all my US Fans in particular, will miss you all and will see you another time.

“Best of luck to all for the always amazing US Open! My next event will be the Laver Cup in Berlin.” Not everybody is happy with that announcement, however. A Djokovic fan decided to take aim at Nadal, questioning his decision by saying: “A fully fit Nadal has withdrawn from the @usopen but will play in the Laver Cup a couple weeks after the US Open with a huge appearance fee.”

But Kyrgios, writing on his own social media account, has defended Nadal. “Can’t be upset at players taking money bro,” he wrote. Nadal won his first US Open title back in 2010 when he beat Novak Djokovic in four sets to claim the prize.

A fully fit Nadal has withdrawn from the @usopen but will play in the Laver Cup a couple weeks after the US Open with a huge appearance fee. https://t.co/6jBFUCKhI4

— Pavvy G (@pavyg) August 7, 2024

He beat the same opponent in the final three years later to add to his Grand Slam haul.

In 2017, Nadal cruised to victory over Kevin Anderson to win his third US Open title. And his fourth came in 2019, with Nadal winning a five-set thriller with Daniil Medvedev on that occasion. Nadal recently played at the Paris Olympics, with the veteran dumped out of the singles by Djokovic. He had been hoping to win Olympic gold in the doubles while playing alongside compatriot Carlos Alcaraz. But the pair lost to American pair Austin Krajicek and Rajeev Ram as their hopes of winning gold went up in smoke.

Speaking after that defeat, Nadal hailed the supporters at Roland Garros for backing him over the years. “It was disappointing to not bring back a medal for Spain but that’s it,” he said.

“I tried my best in every single minute that I was on court, but it was not enough to achieve our goals. “If that’s the last time, it’s an unforgettable feeling and emotions. They give me the love and the support every single second that I have been on court. It’s super, super special to feel that in particular in this place.

“At this stage of my career, I play for feelings, I play for emotions more than for results.

“I won enough in my career, much more than what I ever dreamed. For me, it’s about enjoying different experiences, and that’s another lifetime experience, to share with Carlos, an amazing player who I think is going to be of course one of the best of the history of this sport.”