Novak Djokovic Absen At The US Open 2022, Rafael Nadal: Sad News

JAKARTA - Novak Djokovic is confirmed to be absent from the US Open 2022. The Serbian player cannot fly to New York, United States, because he has not vaccinated against COVID-19.

Djokovic's absence turned out to make Rafael Nadal speak up. "From my personal point of view, this is very sad news," Nadal said as quoted by Antara from AFP, Saturday, August 27.

"Not having one of the best players in Grand Slam's lottery history is always an important loss, isn't it? It's hard for fans, difficult for tournaments."

Even without Djokovic, Nadal believes that this tour must still get respect. According to him, sport, in some ways, is greater than the existence of the player himself.

"I missed many important events in my tennis career with injuries, without a doubt. Last year I wasn't here. Two years ago I wasn't here. The tournament continues. The tennis world continues," he said,

"Even if that's not good news for everyone, the world continues and tennis will continue to pursue me, after Novak, after Roger (Federer)," he continued.

Nadal himself faced the US Open tournament with quite good capital. He started this year superbly, winning the Australian Open and French Open.

Unfortunately, a stomach muscle injury forced him to withdraw from the semifinals of Wimbledon. He returned from the injury in the Cincinnati Masters this month but was eliminated in the second half.