"It's very sad but I'm not crying about it" - Ruud on Djokovic missing US Open
ATP
Casper Ruud reacted to the news that Novak Djokovic will not be able to compete at the 2022 US Open.
The most recent Grand Slam champion won't get a chance to play in New York. Djokovic can't enter the United States because he is not vaccinated, which is why the event's biggest favorite won't compete at the US Open this year.
Ruud, as one of the potential dark horses to win the title at the US Open, spoke about Djokovic ahead of the tournament. The Norwegian player sat down with Eurosport, and he was also asked about Djokovic's absence.
"It’s an individual sport so all the players will think about themselves firstly, so it’s not too much talk, honestly. I think it’s sad that politics will get in his way, or these rules will get in his way. He’s chasing Rafa [Nadal] with one more ahead of him in the Grand Slam count, so he’s chasing history."
"I do think that it could be in the best interest of the country. He has won there many times before and he has brought a great crowd to the stadium. You can argue that it's in the best interest of the country. He’s a big superstar."
The Norwegian player admitted that while on the professional level, he feels sad for Djokovic, on the personal level, he doesn't feel too affected by the decision.
"Having him and Rafa in the final would be so epic, because everyone knows what’s on the line. I do think it’s very sad [but] for me personally, I'm not crying about it. But as a colleague, I’m sad about it."
Ruud also added that he doesn't see Djokovic as a threat to the public in any way, even though the Serbian player is not vaccinated against COVID-19.
"I don’t see him as a threat to the public even though he’s not vaccinated."
