Rafael Nadal has pulled out of the singles event at the Laver Cup after pairing up with Roger Federer for the Swiss star’s final match. The world No 3 joined Federer on the doubles court but will not be playing his required singles match on Saturday as he has been replaced by second alternate Cameron Norrie. It comes after Federer himself had to get permission to go against the rule that all Laver Cup players must contend a singles match in the first two days of the tournament.
Nadal has pulled out of his required singles match at the Laver Cup after joining forces with Federer in the doubles, with the former world No 1s losing to Team World’s Jack Sock and Frances Tiafoe 4-6 7-5(2) [11-9] in what was the final match of the 20-time Major champion’s career. The Spaniard has been replaced by second alternate Cameron Norrie in Saturday’s lineup, with the Brit set to face Team World’s highest-ranked player Taylor Fritz.
It comes after Federer used a loophole to ensure he didn’t have to play singles this weekend, opting to retire in the doubles given the limitations of his knee injury. The 41-year-old explained earlier this week that he asked his Team Europe captain if it was possible to withdraw after his doubles match and have the squad’s alternate Matteo Berrettini take his place on Saturday, also getting permission from Team World captain John McEnroe and the ATP.
Nadal then raised suspicions that he may do the same when Norrie was spotted alongside Team Europe at all press and promotional events from Wednesday onwards, while the Spaniard himself only arrived in London on Thursday morning.
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