And on Wednesday, he confirmed the unsurprising news that he would not be playing the event, choosing to focus on the Laver Cup instead.
He wrote: “Hi all, writing today to let you guys know that I have decided not to compete at this year’s US Open – a place where I have amazing memories.
“I will miss those electric and special night sessions in NYC at Ashe, but I don’t think I would be able to give my 100% this time.
“Thanks to all my US Fans in particular, will miss you all and will see you another time.
“My next event will be the Laver Cup in Berlin.”
Laver Cup action in the German capital takes place from the 20-22 September, meaning the 22-time Grand Slam champion will have over a month and a half to prepare.
Nadal was last in action at the Olympic Games in Paris last week, losing to Novak Djokovic in round two of the singles, and exiting the quarter-final of the doubles alongside Carlos Alcaraz.
He had reached his first final in over two years shortly before that in Bastad, though this latest withdrawal will likely lead to further talk about how much longer his professional career will continue.
Hopes will be high that he enters the Laver Cup as close to full fitness as possible, with the resumption of the blockbuster ‘Nadalcaraz’ partnership alongside his compatriot possible.
His withdrawal also means that his round four exit to Frances Tiafoe in 2022 was the 38-year-old’s last match at the US Open.
The final major of the year was his most successful Grand Slam outside of Roland Garros, with his four titles only bettered by Roger Federer, Jimmy Connors, and Pete Sampras in the men’s game across the Open Era.
Nadal beat great rival Novak Djokovic in the 2010 and 2013 finals, before defeating Kevin Anderson in 2017 and Daniil Medvedev in 2019.