Roger Federer, Novak Djokovic and Andy Murray have all expressed disappointment that rival Rafael Nadal won’t be joining them in less than a fortnight to challenge for the US Open title, with the Spaniard out for an indefinite period due to his continuing knee tendinitis.
Federer, the world No. 1 was, the first to get in touch with Nadal, who has not played since Wimbledon on June 28. “It’s not a surprise, because I wrote him and he told me like it wasn’t looking good at all,” said the top seed at this week’s Cincinnati Masters. “I kind of saw it coming. But obviously when it’s official it’s disappointing for tennis, there’s no doubt about it.
“I would love to have him in the draw. With 12 days before the Open you figure he might still have time to fix what he has to fix to get ready. “If he pulls out that early before the Open, it must be something serious. That’s what is sort of scary. There is obviously the whole debate going on if he is going come back for this year.
Djokovic voiced similar sentiments: “Obviously it’s that serious that takes him, you know, out from the tour for last couple of months. He’s a great competitor, somebody I know really well on and off the court.
“I’m sure that if he was able to perform in US Open he would come. So I wish him a quick recovery.”
Murray, who had been dealing with a knee problem of his own over the last week or so, was joined in with his best wishes. “I’m disappointed for him, it’s obviously tough. He’s had trouble with his knees in the past. So I hope he can rest, doesn’t come back too early, and gets them fixed so he can get back to playing his best tennis.”
©Daily Tennis News Wire
Topics: Andy Murray, Rafael Nadal, Roger Federer, Sports, Tennis, Tennis News, US Open 2012