US Open 2022 LIVE: Rafael Nadal expressed his thought on the absence of his arch-rival Novak Djokovic from the US Open 2022 and said that he is saddened that the former World No.1 could not participate in the year-end Grand Slam this year. Djokovic misses the tournament as he is not allowed to enter New York without getting vaccinated. Follow US Open LIVE updates on InsideSport.IN
US Open 2022 LIVE: Rafael Nadal comments on Novak Djokovic’s absence from US Open, says ‘it’s a sad news when best players are not able to play’ – Check Out
Despite having already missed the Australian Open earlier this year due to his non-vaccination status, Djokovic has shown his reluctance to get vaccinated. He was hoping that the organisers of the US Open would change their policy on the vaccination status and allow him to play. However that didn’t happen as it was said that no players or tourists from foreign countries would be allowed to enter United States without getting vaccinated. This automatically ruled Djokovic out of the year end Grand Slam tournament.
Speaking about his absence, Nadal said, “From my perspective, it’s a very sad news. It’s always a shame when the best players of the world are not able to play a tournament or 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 Grand Slam is an important miss no? We want to have the best field possible. But the sport is, in some ways, bigger than any player.”
Nadal will be entering the Grand Slam after suffering a second round defeat at Cincinnati Masters. He made the appearance at Cincinnati after recovering from abdominal injury he sustained during the Wimbledon this year. Speaking about his fitness, he said “I hope to be ready for the action. That’s the only thing I can say. I have what I have. With the tools I have today, I hope to be competitive enough to give myself a chance.”
Nadal is making his return to the US Open after a three-year hiatus. He last featured in the tournament during 2019 in which he won the title. He chose not to participate in the 2020 edition due to safety concerns related to Covic-19. In 2021 he was unable to participate after sustaining a foot injury. He has shown terrific form this year having won the Australian Open and French Open title and is eyeing his third Grand Slam title in 2022.
US Open 2022 LIVE: Rafael Nadal comments on Novak Djokovic’s absence from US Open, says ‘it’s a sad news when best players are not able to play’ – Check Out
Editors pick
