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2022 Australian and French Open winner Rafael Nadal isn’t happy about Novak Djokovic missing the US Open as he returns to the American major for the first time in three years. The Spanish star has not played in New York since he took down Daniil Medvedev in five sets to win the 2019 open.
Nadal has since added three more Grand Slam singles titles to his haul, taking his total to 22 which is also the all-time men's record. While the 36-year-old will be looking to clinch the 23rd Grand Slam over the next fortnight in New York, Nadal acknowledged the fact that the absence of Djokovic left him "very sad."
On Thursday, Djokovic confirmed he will play not participate in the tournament after refusing to get vaccinated against C OVID-19 which puts him at odds with US government travel requirements for international visitors.
"From my personal perspective, it's very sad news," Nadal said. "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. In this case, not having one of the best players of the history in the draw of the Grand Slam is always an important miss, no? 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."
Despite Djokovic's absence, Nadal has stressed the fact that the tournament will not lose its shine without the Serbian great, who is just one behind the Spaniard in Grand Slam singles titles with 21. "I repeat what I said plenty of times: the sport in some ways is bigger than any player," Nadal said.
"I missed a lot of important events in my tennis career because of injuries, without a doubt. Last year I was not here. Two years ago I was not here. The tournament continues. The world of tennis keep going. Even if is not good news for everyone, the world continues and the tennis will continue after me, after Novak, after Roger (Federer)." Nadal will face Australian wild card entrant Rinky Hijikata on Tuesday.
