Defending US Open champion Daniil Medvedev praises Serena Williams, reacts to Novak Djokovic absence

Defending US Open champion Daniil Medvedev joined Rafa Nadal in lamenting the absence of Novak Djokovic from this year's tournament. Medvedev said, «I mean, I wish he would play here. We saw it in Wimbledon.

He didn't play many tournaments this year. He came there, he won.» Ad It was confirmed yesterday that three-time champion Djokovic would miss the tournament due to his unvaccinated status. After also sitting out the Australian Open, this is the second major of the season that Djokovic will be unable to contest.

US OpenClijsters: I cried when Serena announced her farewell — Legends’ Voice2 HOURS AGO Medvedev himself was forced to sit out Wimbledon this year, due to a ban on Russian players instituted by the All-England club in response to the conflict in Ukraine. Djokovic's absence means that his ongoing struggle with Nadal for tennis supremacy is on hold. Medvedev went on, «the rivalry against Rafa is really I feel like heating up in a way.

22, 21, a joke of a number. It's a pity he's not here. It would be a great story I think for tennis.» However, Medvedev was careful to explain that he understands why Djokovic will not be in attendance.

«It's American government rule. Completely understandable also.» Medvedev begins his title defence on Monday, against world No. 110 Stefan Kozlov and underscored his desire to do something «special» again.

«It's a special moment to win a slam. I'm motivated to try to do it again. I was really close in Australian Open.

When you say 'close', if you didn't do it, you are far also. I want to try to do something big here.» Not since Roger Federer's five-year run of wins (from 2004-2008) has a men's player successfully defender the US Open singles title. Medvedev is in fine form though,