The epic Novak Djokovic versus Rafael Nadal rivalry will not see its next chapter at US Open this year as the Serbian legend has pulled out of the competition, only days before its commencement.
The head-to-head scoreline between Nadal and Djokovic currently stands at 30-29 in favor of the Serbian. The Spaniard won the Australian Open and French Open but the 35-year-old took the Wimbledon title.
Nadal has 22 Grand Slam while Djokovic has 21. Nadal has 4 US Open titles while Djokovic has 3. You could understand how tantalizingly things stand. The battle to be the greatest player of all time has intensified. However, they will have to wait to renew their rivalry.
Djokovic announced on Twitter that he will not be traveling to New York to take part in the US Open. Fans are really disappointed that the legendary player will not feature in a tournament he has won thrice.
The legendary Rafael Nadal asked to comment on Djokovic’s absence from the competition. He heaped praise on Djokovic but also added that the sport is bigger than a player and tennis will go on even when “The Big 3” are not playing anymore.
I repeat what I said plenty of times: the sport in some ways is bigger than any player,” Nadal said. “I missed a lot of important events in my tennis career because of injuries, without a doubt. Last year I was not here. Two years ago I was not here. The tournament continues.
“The world of tennis (will) keep going, even if it is not good news for everyone,” the 36-year-old said. “The world continues and the tennis will continue after me, after Novak, after Roger.
“Without a doubt, Novak is one of the most important players of the last 20 years, the history of our sport. In a personal way, I feel sorry for him he’s not able to travel here.
“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.
“It’s 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.”
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