Tennis News: Rafael Nadal reacts to Novak Djokovic not competing at US Open

However, one of his rivals calls it an unfortunate situation. Spanish con Rafael Nadal admitted that Djokovic's absence from the US Open is "very sad news."

Djokovic, the 2022 Wimbledon champion and world number six, has been exempted from entering the United States due to the country's current rule on unvaccinated foreign citizens.

The Serb was the 2021 US Open runner-up to Daniil Medvedev and was expected to be a formidable contender this year. Nadal remarked, "From my personal perspective, it's unfortunate news."

"It's always a shame when the best players of the world are not able to play a tournament because of injuries or for different reasons," added the 36-year-old seeking his fifth US Open title.

Nadal backed out of this year's Wimbledon before his semifinal match against Nick Kyrgios due to an injury but has returned to the pavilion and is now looking to extend his record of 23 Grand Slams. 

Although the second seed Nadal has increased chances of winning without his Serbian rival, the Spaniard would prefer to compete against the best.

Nadal is returning to the US Open after winning it in 2019. In 2020, he refrained from traveling due to safety concerns regarding the COVID-19 pandemic. 

In 2021, he skipped the tournament due to a recurring foot injury. The upcoming edition will commence on August 29 at the Billie Jean King National Tennis Center at Flushing Meadows in New York.

The Spaniard's intense preparation for the last Slam of the year

The Spaniard made a comeback in Cincinnati after a severe abdominal injury. He only underwent two practice sets before starting his bid at the ATP Masters 1000. 

Nadal then lost a three-setter to eventual champion Borna Coric in the first-round match. Before the US Open, Nadal is bringing in the intensity on the practice court in preparation for the last Grand Slam of the year.

In New York, fans have witnessed him hitting at full tilt during US Open Fan Week, in contrast to the ease with which he took on his serve against Boric in Cincinnati. 

He revealed that service motion could be "dangerous" and "risky" for his abdominal tear. However, he is playing at a higher level of intensity, and preparations are in full swing. 

Nadal is willing to try again, and this time, the Spaniard is backed up by long practice hours and a more substantial preparatory phase before the tour kickstarts. 

Nadal has won the US Open four times - 2010, 2013, 2017 and 2019. Preparing for his 16th New York appearance, he will face Australia's Rinky Hijikata in the opening round on Tuesday evening. 

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