Spaniard Rafa Nadal assured this Friday that, on a personal level, Serbian Novak Djokovic felt “lost” because “it’s always sad that the best in the world can’t compete”.Absence of ‘Nole’ at US Open for refusing to be vaccinated against the coronavirus.

“We already knew he wouldn’t have played if somehow the[access to the US]rules hadn’t changed. Personally I’m sorry, it’s always a shame when the best in the world can’t play due to injuries or other reasons.Nadal said at a press conference in New York the day before the start of the US Open.

“Not always having one of the best players in the world a significant declineIt’s tough for the fans, the tournament and the players because we always want the best to be there.”

At the same time, Nadal emphasized “Sport is bigger than a player” and that tennis will continue even after he retires, Djokovic or the Swiss Roger Federer.

“I too have lost many matches and tournaments due to injuries, but the tournament continues and so is the tennis world. (Djokovic’s absence) is not good news, but the world and tennis They will continue without Djokovic, without me, without Roger (Federer).. Djokovic is one of the most important players of the last two decades and personally I feel sorry for him.”

Nadal returned to New York after kidnapping making the final two editions of the tournament and enthusiastically to return to “one of the highlights” of his career, which he won four times.

He was satisfied with the pace of training he had taken in the last days. He admitted that his abdominal injury at Wimbledon continued to condition him somewhat when it came to serving.

“An abdominal injury is difficult to manage, a place where flexibility is needed. But it’s not easy at the beginning with a scar, there is a risk of tearing. I hope I’ll be ready,” he said.

“I’m really careful about the service but in general a high level of intensity and I am quite happy with my level. I’ve been on tour for two weeks, I’ve been training every day, I’ve been playing sets every day for the past five days. This helps me,” he added.

after the US OpenNadal will in principle participate in the Laver Cup at an event that will mark the return of Swiss Roger Federer.

“I’m happy to play in the Laver Cup and to see Roger on the track. I hope he’s good and can compete, we’ll see. I haven’t seen him on the road in a long time and I hope he can come back. The most important thing is that you are healthy and happy. If you have health and happiness to return, that would be great. If not, we can just say ‘thank you’ for what you’ve done.”

“I am confident we will continue to have him for a long time and I look forward to playing the Laver Cup with him”, concluded.

Nadal returned to compete in the Cincinnati tournament last week, when he lost in his first match against the Croatian Borna Coric, who played very high tennis and became the champion.