Rafael Nadal said Friday he is saddened by Novak Djokovic's absence from the US Open as he returns to the tournament for the first time in three years. The Spanish legend has not played in New York since defeating Daniil Medvedev in five sets to lift the 2019 title. Nadal has added three more Grand Slam singles titles to his haul since that victory, taking his total to 22 -- the all-time men's record. While the 36-year-old will be looking to add to that tally over the next fortnight in New York, Nadal admitted on Friday that the absence of Djokovic left him "very sad." Djokovic confirmed on Thursday he will play no part in the tournament after refusing to get vaccinated against Covid-19 -- placing him at odds with US government travel requirements for international visitors.