Roger Federer Knows Even Without Nadal, Winning The US Open Won’t Be Easy

Written by: Staff on 27th August 2012

Roger Federer Knows Even Without Nadal, Winning The US Open Won’t Be Easy

epa03370026 US Open Tennis Player, Roger Federer speaks to the press at the US Open Tennis Center on Kids Day in New York, USA, 25 August 2012. EPA/PETER FOLEY |

Roger Federer admits that the injury absence of rival Rafael Nadal will make little difference to his quest for a sixth title at the US Open, with the top seed and world No. 1 assured of a fortnight-long challenge if he is to claim his 18th Grand Slam title.

Federer, 31, and leader with six trophies on the ATP this season, begins in the first round against American Donald Young after winning the Cincinnati tune-up event a week ago, beating Open second seed Novak Djokovic.

“Everybody shows up at the slams and plays so well. That’s why there’s such a shock to it now that Rafa pulled out,” said the Swiss. “People almost can’t believe it, but back in the day people always used to pull out from time to time from Grand Slams because of injury or being tired or scheduling.”

Federer said that Nadal’s knee injury which is keeping the 2010 champion from the courts, is disappointing. “It would be better if he would be here, but then again, it’s good to see him maybe giving it (his left knee) a chance to heal and taking tough decisions like not coming here.

“It’s been a brutal process for him,”: he said of Nadal, who last played in June 28 when he lost in the Wimbledon second round. “I’m sure, missing the Olympics, which I’m sure was also a big goal for him. Then the North American swing and now this?

“This is significant, but it’s not been six months yet. So I think it’s not the end of the world, but it’s obviously much better if he were to be here. There’s no doubt about that. But he’s had a great run in Grand Slams as well and playing so many tournaments.”

©Daily Tennis News Wire

Topics: Donald Young, Novak Djokovic, Rafael Nadal, Roger Federer, Sports, Tennis News, US Open 2012