\n
\nNEW YORK: Rafael Nadal said Friday he is saddened by Novak Djokovic\u2019s absence from the US Open as he returns to the tournament for the first time in three years.<\/p>\n
\nThe Spanish legend has not played in New York since defeating Daniil Medvedev in five sets to lift the 2019 title.<\/p>\n
\nNadal has added three more Grand Slam singles titles to his haul since that victory, taking his total to 22 \u2014 the all-time men\u2019s record.<\/p>\n
\nWhile the 36-year-old will be looking to add to that tally over the next fortnight in New York, Nadal admitted on Friday that the absence of Djokovic left him \u201cvery sad.\u201d<\/p>\n
\nDjokovic confirmed on Thursday he will play no part in the tournament after refusing to get vaccinated against COVID-19 \u2014 placing him at odds with US government travel requirements for international visitors.<\/p>\n
\n\u201cFrom my personal perspective, it\u2019s very sad news,\u201d Nadal said.<\/p>\n
\n\u201cIt\u2019s 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.<\/p>\n
\n\u201cIn this case, not having one of the best players of the history in the draw of 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.\u201d<\/p>\n
\nYet despite Djokovic\u2019s absence, Nadal is adamant that the tournament will not be diminished by the non-participation of the Serbian great, who is just one behind the Spaniard in Grand Slam singles titles with 21.<\/p>\n
\n\u201cI repeat what I said plenty of times: the sport in some ways is bigger than any player,\u201d Nadal said.<\/p>\n
\n\u201cI 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.<\/p>\n
\n\u201cEven if is not a good news for everyone, the world continues and the tennis will continue after me, after Novak, after Roger (Federer).\u201d<\/p>\n
\nNadal started 2022 in blistering fashion, winning both the Australian and French Opens before an abdominal muscle injury forced him to scratch from the Wimbledon semifinals.<\/p>\n
\nHe returned from that injury at the Cincinnati Masters this month but exited in the second round. Nadal said Friday he had been protecting the injury during his Cincinnati comeback.<\/p>\n
\n\u201cIt\u2019s a tough injury because it\u2019s dangerous, it\u2019s risky,\u201d he said. \u201cWhen you have a scar, it\u2019s a place that you put lot of effort when you are serving.<\/p>\n
\n\u201cI take it very easy in the Cincinnati, too, in the practices. The match, I try my best without putting all the effort there on the serve.\u201d<\/p>\n
\nNadal, who opens his US Open campaign against Australian wild card entrant Rinky Hijikata on Tuesday, was cautiously optimistic about his preparations.<\/p>\n
\n\u201cI am doing things the best way that I can,\u201d he said. \u201cI hope to be ready for the action, no? That\u2019s the only thing that I can say.<\/p>\n
\n\u201cTaking care with the serve, being honest. But in general terms, yes, I am practicing at high level of intensity.\u201d<\/p>\n<\/div>\n
\n
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