Two days before the start of the US Open, Novak Djokovic’s absence from the last Grand Slam is a hot topic in tennis.
Djokovic will not play in New York because as an unvaccinated person he cannot enter the United States.
“From my point of view, it’s sad news. It’s always a shame when one of the best players in the world is absent from a major tournament due to injury or for any other reason. Not having one of the best players in history is a huge disadvantage. It’s difficult for the fans, for the tournament and for the tennis players because we always want to play with the best. However, I have said it many times: tennis is more important than any player,” Rafael Nadal said.
“I have missed many important competitions in my career due to injuries. Last year I was not here and the tournament was ongoing. Tennis will continue to be played after me, Novak and Roger. Novak is one of the most important players of the last 20 years in the history of our sport. Personally, I feel sorry for him that he could not come here,” Nadal said.
In New York, Nadal has a chance to reach his 23rd Grand Slam, Djokovic has 21 and Federer 20.
Mats Wilander, however, believes that the history of the race for the title of greatest player of all time is no longer important.
“With everything that’s going on around Novak Djokovic, the saga of who is considered the greatest of all time becomes irrelevant. First of all because Novak is not allowed to play in certain tournaments. I think in the future we will only talk about the three greatest players of all time coming together and playing at the same time. I think that’s something that will be remembered the most,” Vilander said.
The US Open begins on August 29 and runs through September 11.
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