Rafael Nadal halts 21-year streak of Grand Slam victories after pulling out of US Open

Rafael Nadal's withdrawal from the US Open puts an end to a 21-year streak of consecutive Grand Slam victories. The 38-year-old Spaniard appeared on the entry list but recently announced his decision not to compete at Flushing Meadows.

The news comes just a week after his participation in the Olympic Games. The 22-time Grand Slam champion was eliminated in the second round of the singles competition by his great rival Novak Djokovic, while in doubles, he reached the quarterfinals alongside Carlos Alcaraz.

After the Olympics, Nadal was supposed to travel to the US Open, as was indicated on the tournament's entry list. However, the Spaniard recently announced that he would not be traveling to the New York tournament: “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,” Nadal wrote.

“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% this time,” the former world No. 1 added. “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!”

The decision not to play at the US Open means that, for the first time in 21 years, Rafa will finish a season without a Grand Slam victory. The Spaniard was unable to compete at the Australian Open due to injury, missed Wimbledon by choice while preparing for Paris 2024, and his only participation in a Grand Slam this year was at the French Open, where he lost in the first round to Alexander Zverev.

Nadal's first appearance in a Grand Slam main draw was at Wimbledon in 2003, and since then, he has made 68 Grand Slam appearances, while missing 17 majors since his debut. The Spaniard has a record of 314-44 (88%) and is the second player with the most titles, totaling 22, only behind Djokovic.

Nadal has also won 20 or more Grand Slam matches in a single season on eight occasions: 2007 (20-3), 2008 (24-2), 2010 (25-1), 2011 (23-3), 2017 (23-2), 2018 (21-3), 2019 (24-2), and 2022 (22-1). Nadal’s next tournament will be the Laver Cup, which will be held in Berlin from September 20 to 22.