US Open: Novak Djokovic pulls out of the tournament; Rafael Nadal is eyeing his 23rd Grand Slam title

The Serb wrote on his Twitter wall, "Sadly, I will not be able to travel to NY this time for the US Open….Good luck to my fellow players! I'll keep in good shape and positive spirit and wait for an opportunity to compete again."

The fans hoped that despite all restrictions, the US might make way for the Serb to play the US Open. After the US relaxed its COVID guidelines for the citizens, the hopes for Djokovic to enter the states increased.

Unfortunately, to everyone's disappointment and dissatisfaction, Djokovic finally declared that he would not be going to the US for the upcoming tournament. 

One of the greatest tennis players of all time and now a commentator and a tennis expert, John McEnroe, also expressed his feelings about Djokovic and the upcoming US Open. He said it'll be a big joke if one of the greatest players of the current era, Djokovic, could not play in the tournament. 

This Grand Slam was an excellent opportunity for Novak to go at par with his nemesis, Rafael Nadal, who has 22 Grand Slam titles after winning this year's French Open. 

Novak Djokovic won this year's Wimbledon adding another Grand Slam title to his list, taking his number of trophies to 21. Unfortunately, he lost his chance to take that tally to 22, matching Rafael's record. 

Meanwhile, in Djokovic's absence, Rafael Nadal is eyeing his 23rd Grand Slam title. If Nadal fails to win this tournament, Djokovic will have another chance to match his record next year. 

Given Nadal's abdominal injury, his chances of winning the title are also not too high. He had to pull out of Wimbledon at the semi-finals stage due to the injury, and his performance in Canada recently was also average.