Rafael Nadal missing from Laver Cup amid ‘important conflict’ after Federer retirement | Tennis | Sport

Rafael Nadal is missing from the Laver Cup on day two as he was not included with the rest of Team Europe as the players took to court on Saturday. The Spaniard withdrew from the singles citing personal issues after joining Roger Federer for the Swiss star’s final match in the doubles on day one of the tournament. He then told the press that he had an “internal important conflict” as he was yet to decide whether he’d return to Mallorca or stay in London to cheer on his team, and it appears he has opted to go home.Nadal withdrew from the Laver Cup after joining long-time friend and rival Federer for the 41-year-old’s retirement on day one of the tournament. ‘Fedal’ joined forces one final time as they lost to Jack Sock and Frances Tiafoe in the doubles, marking the final match of Federer’s career.Shortly after the match, the day two lineup was announced and Nadal was noticeably absent, with Team Europe’s second alternate Cameron Norrie picked to face Team World’s Taylor Fritz. And on Saturday morning, the tournament confirmed that the 22-time Major champion’s withdrawal was for personal reasons. It came after he told Spanish press that he had an “important internal confict” to decide whether to stay in London or return home to his family.Nadal’s wife has been struggling with her first pregnancy in recent weeks with reports that she had been hospitalised, and the 36-year-old touched on the problems when he arrived in London on Thursday morning – days after his teammates. “I can’t thank enough the rest of the team for wait[ing for] me until today that I had a tough personal situation now, so thank you very much, everyone, first of all,” he said at the time.JUST IN: Andy Murray shown fighting back tears in Roger Federer clipWe’ll be bringing you the very latest updates, pictures and video on this breaking news story.For the latest news and breaking news visit: express.co.uk/sportStay up to date with all the big headlines, pictures, analysis, opinion and video on the stories that matter to you.Follow us on Twitter @dexpress_sport – the official Daily Express & Express.co.uk Twitter account – providing real news in real time.We’re also on Facebook @dailyexpresssport – offering your must-see news, features, videos and pictures throughout the day to like, comment and share from the Daily Express, Sunday Express and Express.co.uk.



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