US Open: Rafael Nadal and Daniil Medvedev both disappointed with Novak Djokovic’s absence from New York | Tennis News

Rafael Nadal described Novak Djokovic’s absence from the US Open as “very sad news”, while world number one Daniil Medvedev said he expected the Serbian “to play here”.

The Wimbledon champion is sitting out his second Grand Slam of the season for repeatedly refusing to get vaccinated against Covid-19.

Djokovic wait for withdrawal until just before the withdrawal ceremony on Thursday finally gave up hope that the US Government would relax restrictions in time.

The Serbian’s absence strengthens Nadal’s hopes of adding a 23rd major title to his collection, which will once again see him outpace Djokovic twice in the rankings. All Time.

But the Spaniard would rather his opponent be in New York, said: “In my personal opinion, it is very sad news. It is a pity that the best players in the world are. unable to play in a tournament due to injury or difference.

“In this case, not letting one of the best players in history draw a Grand Slam is always an important omission. It’s difficult for the fans, difficult for the tournament. In my opinion, It’s difficult for the players too, because we want to have the best field possible.

“But on the other hand, I repeat what I’ve said so many times: this sport is in a way bigger than any player.

“I’ve missed a lot of important events in my tennis career because of injury. Last year I wasn’t here. Two years ago I wasn’t here. The tournament continues. The tennis world is still here. continue.”

Defending champion Medvedev lamented Djokovic’s absence

World No 1 Medvedev said he was disappointed that his US Open title defense at Flushing Meadows would start without Djokovic.

The Russian overcame one of the sport’s biggest setbacks when he denied Djokovic a calendar Grand Slam win in a row at Arthur Ashe Stadium to claim his first major title.

“I wish he would play here,” Medvedev told reporters. “The rivalry with Rafa (Nadal) really makes me feel hot in a way. 22, 21 (Grand Slam), a joke of a number,” he said of the number of major titles that Nadal and Nadal have won. Djokovic won in turn.

“It’s a pity that he (Djokovic) isn’t here. That would be a great story I think for tennis. Not just the tennis savvy, but not us the players. tennis, that’s the US government regulation. Totally understandable.”

Rafa is pleased with the form he has shown in training

Nadal is back in New York for the first time since winning his fourth title here in 2019 after choosing not to travel in 2020 and then missing out because of a leg problem last year.

He is yet to lose a match in five sets this season but has run short of time having played only once since being forced out of Wimbledon before the semi-finals by a laceration in his abdomen.

Nadal remains wary of scar tissue from his injury but is happy with the form he has shown in training.

The 36-year-old, who will face Australia’s Rinky Hijikata in the match on Tuesday night, said: “It’s a tough injury because it’s dangerous and risky. When you have a scar, that’s it. where you have to put a lot of effort when
you are serving. You need to find flexibility again.

“I’m doing things the best way I can. I’m hopefully ready to act. That’s the only thing I can say. With the tools I have today, I hope to be competitive enough. give yourself a chance.

“I’m interested in the serves. But overall, I’m training at a high intensity. I’m pretty satisfied with the way I play.”

Nadal ‘extremely excited’ for Federer’s return to Laver Cup

Roger Federer hasn’t played competitive tennis in over a year and like many of his fans, Nadal can’t wait for the Swiss great to return to action next month.

The 20-time Grand Slam singles champion is expected to return to the tour in September as he joins longtime rival and friend Nadal for doubles at London’s Laver Cup before playing at the indoor tournament. Switzerland at home in Basel. next month.

“Of course, very excited to see Roger on the court again,” said Nadal.

“I hope he’s healthy enough to make it happen. Yeah, let’s see. It’s been a long time without Roger on court, so I really hope that he can manage to come back.” But let’s see.”

Federer has had three knee surgeries in the past two years and hasn’t played a match since a quarter-final defeat to Hubert Hurkacz at Wimbledon 2021.

Federer’s recent knee troubles have pundits and fans wondering how long it will be before the father-of-four decides to drop the racket.

“The most important thing at this stage of his career is health and happiness, right?” Nadal said.

“If he’s fit and happy enough to be back on the tennis tour, (that) would be great. If not, we can only say thank you to him for everything he’s done. achieve.

“I’m confident we’ll continue to have Roger for a while. Yes, I can’t wait to team up with him in the Laver Cup.”

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