Novak Djokovic's absence from US Open 'very sad': Rafael Nadal

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.

Read AlsoNadal's return a boost for depleted US Open men's draw

Rafael Nadal's timely recovery from injury to return to the US Open for the first time since winning the 2019 title is a big boost to the men's draw which has been depleted by the absence of Novak Djokovic and Alexander Zverev.

"From my personal perspective, it's very sad news," Nadal said. "It's always a shame when the best players of the world are not able to play a tournament because of injuries or because of different reasons. "In this case, not having one of the best players of the history in the draw of Grand Slam is always an important miss, no? Tough for the fans, tough for the tournament. In my opinion, tough for the players, too, because we want to have the best field possible." Yet despite Djokovic's absence, Nadal is adamant that the tournament will not be diminished by the non-participation of the Serbian great, who is just one behind the Spaniard in Grand Slam singles