Djokovic will miss the start at Flushing Meadows because he is not vaccinated against the coronavirus. The former number one player in the world ranking already missed the Australian Open at the beginning of the year because of this.
“From a personal point of view, it’s very sad. It’s always a shame when the biggest stars are missing from the tournament due to injuries or other problems,” Reuters quoted Nadal as saying.
“But as I have said several times: sport is in most cases bigger than any player. So tennis will continue without Novak, without me and without Roger Federer,” added the 36-year-old Spaniard.
Nadal can’t wait for Federer’s return. The 41-year-old Swiss made his last appearance at Wimbledon last year due to lingering health problems. In September, however, he should start at the Laver Cup and then at the tournament in Basel.
“He has had a long break and I hope that his health will allow him to return. I am very much looking forward to seeing him on the court again,” said Nadal in the address of his former great rival and twenty-time Grand Slam winner.
“But the main thing at his age is health and that he is happy. If he is healthy and enjoys tennis, it will be great to have him back on the circuit again. And if not, then he deserves thanks for everything he has done,” said Nadal .
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