"Having war flashbacks"; "This is how it ends": Fans speculate Roger Federer-esque retirement for Rafael Nadal as Spaniard announces Laver Cup return

Rafael Nadal's addition to Team Europe at the 2024 Laver Cup has surprised fans who suspect that the Spaniard would follow Roger Federer's footsteps and retire.

The 2024 Laver Cup will be held at the Uber Arena in Berlin, Germany, from September 20-22 and will be the tournament's seventh edition. The event will see the likes of Carlos Alcaraz, Daniil Medvedev, and Alexander Zverev representing Team Europe to take on Team World, which will be represented by the likes of Felix Auger-Aliassime, Taylor Fritz, and Tommy Paul.

Team Europe has reinforced their already strong team with the addition of Nadal. The Spaniard, a regular competitor at the tournament, made his last appearance at the tournament at the 2022 Laver Cup, which is most famously remembered for being the final appearance of Roger Federer's career where the two rivals teamed up for the Swiss' emotional final dance. After the match, they held hands and cried together as they celebrated the Swiss' career.

The Laver Cup announced that Nadal will be representing Team Europe at the 2024 edition in Berlin.

Fans on X (formerly Twitter) reacted to the news and posted that the 22-time Major champion may follow in Federer's footsteps and this may be his farewell tournament. One fan said that they were having war flashbacks, alluding to Federer's emotional retirement.

"why am i having war flashbacks"

Another fan concluded that the Spaniard will end his career at the event:

"So this is it how it all ends"

Here are a few more reactions from fans online:

"I think I've seen this film before…" a fan said.

"Seriously, not again. Most of us were unable to see Federer’s retirement. Please @RafaelNadal don’t do the same thing to your fans." a fan pleaded.

"Oh no if he plans to follow Roger's example my heart simply won't be able to take it 😭 (it wouldn't take it in any scenario sigh 💔)" another fan said.

Another set of fans were shocked by Nadal's inclusion in Team Europe. Meanwhile, one fan hoped that Federer would be present at the tournament.

"My delulu a** totally believes Roger is gonna show up and I’ll be able to see him one last time with Rafa and my life will be absolutely made" a fan reacted.

"Rather a surprise, tbh. Could be another tearful event, I guess" a fan wrote.

"Maybe he'll say goodbye there? 😥😭😭 Oh my God!!!... I won't be able to stand it 🥺" a fan speculated.

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"At this stage in my career I want to go out there and make the most of every opportunity" - Rafael Nadal on his Laver Cup participation

Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal at the Laver Cup 2022 - Day One

Rafael Nadal, who has previously hinted that 2024 will be the final season of his career, said that he was grateful for every opportunity that came his way and wanted to make the most of them while talking about his Laver Cup participation.

The Spaniard also said that he loves teaming up and that he was excited to play in Berlin. He stated that his goal is to bring the Laver Cup back to Team Europe. Nadal was quoted as saying (via Laver Cup's official site):

"At this stage in my career I really want to go out there and make the most of every opportunity I am given. Teaming up is always an incredible experience and I have always enjoyed it, the competition is different and exciting. I’m looking forward to going to Berlin and helping Team Europe win back the Laver Cup."

Nadal is slated to play at the Madrid Open next where he will kick off his run against the 16-year-old Darwin Blanch in the first round.