Federer, Djokovic, Murray And Other Tennis Stars React To Rafael Nadal’s Withdrawal From The US Open
- 45 Comments
Earlier today Rafael Nadal officially withdrew his name from the US Open tournament. Nadal’s absence from the Open will be his first and it’s also the first time the “Big Four” will not be together at a Major since 2009 Wimbledon when Nadal also was dealing with a knee injury.
Given the sad news many players offered their thoughts on Nadal’s announcement.
Novak Djokovic: “Well, I really don’t know what the injury is and how serious it is. Obviously it’s that serious that takes him, you know, out from the tour for last couple of months. You know, he’s a great competitor, and, you know. He’s 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, obviously.”
Juan Martin Del Potro: “He’s a big fighter. He will be with us very, very soon, and could be dangerous for us when he come back because he gonna be much better than the rest of the players. He’s still very, very young, of course. He has many challenge to do it, so he will be ready very soon. I wish all the best for him because he’s a nice guy.”
Mardy Fish: “It’s too bad. You felt like if he wasn’t able to come to at least here — a lot of guys took Toronto off, but at least come here. Maybe he was in trouble. So it’s a shame. You know, he made the final last year and he’s the past champion year before that. He’ll be missed.”
Andy Murray: “It’s obviously a shame. I mean, I like Rafa a lot as a friend. Yeah, I’m disappointed for him. But I think for tennis and also a major competitions, it’s a huge benefit when you have the top players playing. Yeah, it’s obviously tough for him. He’s had trouble with his knees in the past. So, you know, 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.”
Roger Federer: “Well, not a surprise, because I wrote him and he told me like it wasn’t looking good at all. I kind of knew. 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. In particular, sort of the 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. I hope he will. He’s definitely got some more weeks off now because of it. I hope in hindsight this is a very smart decision by him. But it’s obviously a big blow and disappointing news for the tennis world.”
Since the start of 2005 Nadal has missed only three Grand Slam tournaments – 2006 Australian Open, 2009 Wimbledon and the 2012 US Open. Nadal had been to at the last the semifinals the last four years in New York, winning the title in 2010 and reaching the final last year.
You Might Like:
Rafael Nadal Has Company in Madrid: Zidane, Ronaldo, Raul [Video]
Bernard Tomic: Once The Federers, Nadals, Djokovics Are Gone, I’ll Have A Chance To Dominate
Thanasi Kokkinakis Will Miss The Australian Open Due To A Shoulder Injury
Rafael Nadal’s Stolen Watch… It’s Been Found!
Roger Federer Withdraws From Cincinnati