Rafael Nadal says the absence of nemesis Novak Djokovic from the US Open is ‘sad news’ for the men’s draw but adds that the sport is more significant than any single player.
Earlier in the week, it was confirmed that Djokovic is unable to travel to the final Grand Slam of the season because he is unvaccinated against COVID-19. Something that has divided the tennis community with some hitting out at double standards. American players are allowed to play in the tournament if they are unvaccinated as they live in the country. The USTA has stated that they are abiding by rules set out by the government and told tennismajors.com that they were unable to apply for a special exemption on Djokovic’s behalf. It is unknown as to if Djokovic tried to himself.
Nadal has played Djokovic in the US Open final three times during his career, winning the title in 2011 and 2013, as well as on two other occasions when he played other opponents. Reacting to the news of Djokovic’s absence, the Spaniard described it as a ‘shame’ for the draw.
“From my personal perspective, it’s very sad news. It’s always a shame when the best players of the world are not able to play a tournament because of injuries or because of different reasons,” Nadal said during media day on Friday.
“In this case, not having one of the best players of the history in the draw of a grand slam is always an important miss. It’s tough for the fans, tough for the tournament. In my opinion, tough for the players, too, because we want to have the best field possible.
“But, on the other hand, I repeat what I said plenty of times: the sport in some ways is bigger than any player.
“I missed a lot of important events in my tennis career because of injuries. Last year I was not here. Two years ago I was not here. The tournament continues. The world of tennis keeps going.”
With the Serbian missing, it will be one less obstacle for Nadal in his bid to claim a historic 23rd Grand Slam trophy. He is also in with a shot of returning to world No.1 depending on his performance and the results of others. The position is currently held by reigning US Open champion Daniil Medvedev who will be defending 2000 points.
“I wish he would play here,” The Russian said of Djokovic.
“The rivalry against Rafa is really I feel like heating up in a way. Twenty-two, 21 (Grand Slams), a joke of a number.”
“It’s a pity he (Djokovic) is not here. It would be a great story I think for tennis. Not only tennis-wise, but it’s not us tennis players, it’s American government rules. Completely understandable also.”
It is still unclear how Nadal will hold up physically in New York given his recent lack of matchplay. Since withdrawing from his Wimbledon semi-final clash with Nick Kyrgios due to an abdominal injury, he has only played one match. That was at the Western and Southern Open where he lost in straight sets to Borna Coric.
Nevertheless, the 36-year-old appears quietly confident about his current form.
“It’s a tough injury because it’s dangerous, it’s risky. When you have a scar, it’s a place that you put in a lot of effort when you are serving. You need to find flexibility again,” he explains.
“I am doing things the best way that I can. I hope to be ready for the action. That’s the only thing that I can say. With the tools that I have today, I hope to be competitive enough to give myself a chance.
“I’m taking care with the serve. But, in general terms, I am practising at a high level of intensity. I’m quite happy the way that I am playing.”
Nadal will play Australia’s Rinky Hijikata in the first round of the US Open on Tuesday evening. It will be his 66th appearance in a Grand Slam main draw.
