Rafael Nadal reveals status for 2024 U.S. Open

The announcement comes a little more than a week after longtime rival and defending U.S. Open champion Novak Djokovic defeated Nadal in the second round of the 2024 Paris Olympics. Following the match, the 38-year-old said he'd "be at peace" if that were his final time playing at Roland Garros, where he's won the French Open a record 14 times.

After the loss, he admitted that recent injuries were beginning to catch up but stopped short of saying the end was near. Nadal even seemed annoyed by having to answer questions about his future, telling reporters that it was impossible to return to his "best form" while also mulling retirement.

"If I feel I am not competitive enough to keep going, or physically I'm not ready to keep going, I will stop," Nadal said.

At the time, it was believed that Nadal would compete in the U.S. Open beginning Aug. 26. However, since bowing out, those comments have only fuelled speculation over how long he'll keep playing.

Despite bowing out of this month's Grand Slam, the curtain isn't closed yet. Nadal left the door open for a possible return to Queens next year, saying he'd see fans "another time" while adding that he'd be back on the court for September's Laver Cup in Berlin, Germany.