Spaniard Rafael Nadal said he was saddened by Serb Novak Djokovic’s absence from the US Open, the fourth Grand Slam, after returning to New York for the first time in three years.

In an interview with Nadal, he said: “From my point of view, this is very sad news. It is always unfortunate when the best players in the world are unable to participate in a tournament due to injury or other reasons.”

“In this case, the absence of one of the best players in history at the Grand Slam tournament is always a big loss, right? It’s hard for the fans and for the tournament. we want to have the best elite.”

But despite Djokovic’s absence, Nadal insists the tournament will not disappear.

In this regard, he said: “I repeat what I have said many times: sport is more important than any player.” “Without a doubt, I have missed many important tournaments in my career due to injuries. I wasn’t here last year. I wasn’t here two years ago. The tournament goes on, the tennis world goes on… even if it’s not good news for everyone, the world and tennis will go on after me, after Novak, after Roger Federer.”