The Spanish tennis player mourned the loss of Nole, who was unable to enter the United States due to not being vaccinated against Covid-19. “It’s difficult for the fans, for the tournament and also for the players,” he said.
Rafael Nadal assured that, on a personal level, he feels the “loss” of Serbian Novak Djokovic, because “it’s always sad when the best in the world can’t compete”, referring to Nole’s absence from the US Open because in his refusal to be vaccinated against the coronavirus.
“Somehow we already know he won’t play, if the rules (of access to the United States) don’t change. On a personal level, I’m sad, it’s always a shame when the best in the world can’t play, either because of injuries or for different reasons.”Nadal said at a press conference in New York on media day before the start of the US Open.
“Not having one of the best players in the world is always an important loss, difficult for the fans, for the tournament and also for the players, because we always want the best to be there”, he continued. At the same time, Nadal stressed that “the sport is bigger than a player” and that tennis will continue even when he, Djokovic or the Swiss Roger Federer retire.
“I also lost a lot and tournaments due to injuries, but the tournament goes on and so does the tennis world. Although (Dokovic’s absence) is not good news, the world and tennis will continue without Djokovic, without me, without Roger (Federer). Djokovic is one of the most important players of the last twenty years and personally, I feel sorry for him.”
Nadal’s return to the US Open
Nadal returned to New York after missing the last two editions of the tournament and he did so with renewed enthusiasm “on one of the most important sites” of his career, where he won four times.
The Spanish tennis player has been pleased with the pace of training he has had in recent days, though He admits that the stomach injury suffered at Wimbledon continues to condition him a bit when it comes to serving.
“An injury to the abdomen is difficult to manage, it is an area where you need flexibility. But with a scar in the beginning it is not easy, there is a risk of a break. I hope I’ll be ready,” he said.
“I’m careful with the serve, really, but generally I train with a high level of intensity and I’m pretty happy with my level. I’ve been on tour for two weeks, practicing every day, playing a set every day for the last five days. It helps me”, he added.
After the US Open, Nadal will participate in the Laver Cup in an event that, in principle, will mark the return of the Swiss Roger Federer. “ANDI’m happy to play the Laver Cup and see Roger on the track. I hope he is well and can fight, We will see. I haven’t seen him on the track for a long time and I hope he can come back. The most important thing is that you are healthy and happy. If you have health and happiness coming back, that’s fantastic. And if not, we can only say ‘thank you’ for what you did,” he said.
“I am confident that we will continue with him for a long time and I am looking forward to playing the Laver Cup with him”, graduate
Nadal returned to compete last week at the Cincinnati tournament, where he lost in his debut against Croatian Borna Coric, a player who practiced a very high level of tennis and was crowned champion.
Source: Tycsports
I am Sandra Jackson, a journalist and content creator with extensive experience in the news industry. I have been working in the news media for over five years. During this time, I have worked as an author and editor at various outlets producing high-quality content that attracts readers from different demographics.
