Rafael Nadal will represent the European Team at the Laver Cup in Berlin next September, the organizers announced on Monday (April 22). This could be one of the last events of the 22-time Grand Slam champion’s career.

Nadal, who turns 38 in June, said he expected this to be his last year on tour after struggling with a hip injury that sidelined him for most of 2023 as well as the start of this season.

Nadal will stand alongside compatriots Carlos Alcaraz, Daniil Medvedev and Alexander Zverev as the European Team attempts to regain the Laver Cup under coach Bjorn Borg. The tournament takes place from September 20 to 22.

“I am very happy to play the Laver Cup in Berlin for the European Team,” said Nadal. “I have some really special memories from my Laver Cup experiences, including all the emotions in London two years ago playing alongside Roger for the last time.

At this stage in my career, I really want to go out there and make the most of every opportunity I’m given. The team tournament is always a great experience and I always enjoy it, the competition is very different and interesting.

I look forward to coming to Berlin and helping the European Team win back the Laver Cup.”

Nadal made his comeback in Brisbane in early January but missed the Australian Open and had to miss another three months after he felt his hip problem recur.

Rafa returned to action at the Barcelona Open last week but lost in the second round of a tournament he has won 12 times.

The former world No. 1, currently ranked 512, has not won a title since setting a record for most wins at the French Open two years ago.

Will attend both the Olympics and the US Open?

Nadal has never confirmed that he will retire after the clay court season, but all signs point to a decline in his career in the coming weeks.

Experts say the clay court season would be the perfect place to bid farewell to him, given how dominant he has been – and the countless records he has set – during this time of year.

But it seems Nadal is looking beyond predictions about the final leg of his tennis journey. It will be interesting to see his playing schedule between now and September, with a host of major tournaments to choose from.

Of course, Nadal will play at the French Open, but could fans see him at Wimbledon, the Olympics or the US Open?

The Olympics seemed like a big target as the tournament would be held at Roland Garros and he had won gold medals in singles and doubles.

Wimbledon may be more unlikely on grass, but the US Open, just weeks before the Laver Cup, and his second major success in terms of titles, seems a realistic target.

Farewell at Laver Cup?

The Spanish tennis player played doubles with Roger Federer at the 2022 Laver Cup when the Swiss star had a tearful farewell. Few people can forget the extremely emotional scenes when Federer retired from his career.

The Swiss star and Nadal were in tears after their doubles match ended, as tennis said goodbye to one of its greatest champions.

Nadal’s mention of that moment may suggest that he is also mindful of a similar farewell.

It’s hard to know what will happen to Nadal after 2024, and it seems like he’s no longer asking too much of himself.

A Laver Cup retirement seems a distinct possibility, whether in singles or doubles. But the most important thing is that Nadal can retire at his own will, whenever possible.