Rafael Nadal has said that Novak Djokovic’s absence from this year’s US Open is ‘very sad news’ for the tournament.
The 35-year-old tennis player will once again have to sit out a major Grand Slam tournament because of repeatedly refusing to be vaccinated against Covid-19.
Djokovic missed this year’s Australian Open due to his stance and has now pulled out of the US event after giving up hope that the US Government would relax restrictions to allow him to compete.
Novak Djokovic will once again miss the US Open due to his refusal to vaccinate for Covid
Rafa Nadal says ‘very sad news’ that he will not face his opponent at Flushing Meadows
With Djokovic gone, the path is clear for Nadal to add another big shot to his glittering collection. His 23rd Grand Slam title would leave him two behind the Serbs on the all-time record list.
However, the Spaniard said he enjoyed watching the best players at Flushing Meadows and was saddened to see his opponents absent from the tournament.
‘In my personal opinion, it is very sad news. It’s a pity that the best players in the world can’t play in a tournament because of injury or other reasons.
The pair last met at a professional tournament in this year’s quarterfinals of the French Open, which Nadal won.
‘In this case, not letting one of the best players in history draw a Grand Slam is always an important omission. It’s hard for the fans, it’s tough for the league. In my opinion, the players are also difficult because we want to have the best pitch possible.
‘But, on the other hand, I repeat what I’ve said so many times: the sport is in a way bigger than any player.
‘I missed a lot of important events in my tennis career because of injury. I wasn’t here last year. I wasn’t here two years ago. The tournament continues. The world of tennis continues to evolve. ‘
World number one tennis player Daniil Medvedev is also disappointed not to meet Djokovic in New York
Medvedev shocked the sport with his straight-set win over Djokovic at last year’s US Open
World number one Daniil Medvedev has also voiced his disappointment at not being able to see the Wimbledon champion in New York.
The Russian’s consecutive win over Djokovic in last year’s US Open final was one of the biggest tennis matches in recent memory and the 26-year-old thinks it’s a pity he won’t be able to face him. head to him again in 2022.
“I wish he would play here,” Medvedev said.
‘The rivalry with Rafa (Nadal) really makes me feel hot in a way. 22, 21 (Grand Slam), a joke of a number.
‘It’s a pity he’s not here. That would be a great story I think for tennis. It’s not just tennis savvy, it’s not us tennis players, it’s US government regulation. Completely understandable. ‘
