"Not having one of the best players of history is always a miss" - Nadal on Djokovic's absence
ATP
Rafael Nadal showed a lot of respect to Novak Djokovic when he was asked about the absence of the 21-time Grand Slam champion from the 2022 US Open draw.
The Spaniard is the second seed at the 2022 US Open, and also, because of Djokovic's absence, his chances of winning the 23rd Grand Slam title rapidly increased.
Naturally, Nadal was asked about the absence of his rival in New York, and despite stating that 'the sport is bigger than any player,' he showed a lot of respect for his fellow competitor.
Nadal was disappointed by the fact that the biggest favorite to win the title wasn't in the draw. As a competitor, he wants to see the best competing at every event.
"Well, in some way we know that Novak will not play for a while if nothing change in terms of the rules, no? We know that since months ago. From my personal perspective, is very sad news."
"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."
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"Not having one of the best players of the history in the draw of Grand Slam is always an important miss, no? As I said, 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."
At the same time, Nadal maintained what he said already before. He doesn't think that any player is bigger than a sport. He thinks it applies also in this case.
The Spaniard mentioned that he missed the last two editions of the US Open, but the tournament kept going, as it always does.
"But on the other hand, I repeat what I said plenty of times: the sport in some ways is bigger than any player. 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. [But] the tournament continues. The world of tennis keep going."
"Even if is not a good news for everyone, the world continues and the tennis will continue after me, after Novak, after Roger. Every year will be for the slams champion. That's it."
"But without a doubt, Novak is one of the most important players of the last 20 years, the history of our sport. In a personal way I feel sorry for him that he's not able to travel here."
