World primary Daniil Medvedev mentioned he was disillusioned his U.S. Open title defence at Flushing Meadows would kick off with out Novak Djokovic, after the 21-times main winner was unable to journey to the USA.
The lanky Russian pulled off one among sport's best upsets with cat-like agility a 12 months in the past when he denied Djokovic a calendar Grand Slam in a straight units win on Arthur Ashe Stadium to gather his first main title.
However there will probably be no rematch this 12 months as Djokovic, who has opted to not get the COVID-19 vaccine, mentioned on Thursday he wouldn't be capable to fly to New York.
Present guidelines require travellers to indicate proof of vaccination to board flights to enter the U.S.
"I want he would play right here," Medvedev informed reporters forward of the U.S. Open primary draw, which begins on Monday.
"The rivalry in opposition to Rafa (Nadal) is actually I really feel like heating up in a method. Twenty-two, 21 (Grand Slams), a joke of a quantity," he mentioned referring to the variety of main titles gained by Nadal and Djokovic respectively.
"It is a pity he (Djokovic) will not be right here. It might be an awesome story I feel for tennis. Not solely tennis-wise, but it surely's not us tennis gamers, it is American authorities guidelines. Fully comprehensible additionally."
Medvedev rolls into the U.S. Open after a handful of uneven performances, profitable at Los Cabos earlier than struggling a shock early exit in Montreal. He reached the semi-finals at Cincinnati, the place he has typically thrived.
"The most important problem all the time is to play tennis," he mentioned. "I say this as a result of we wish to win each event. I imply, I managed to win just one this 12 months, however I performed perhaps 12, 13, 14. I wish to win each of them that I play. It is all the time a continuing problem."
His starvation for a second main title is as fierce as ever after dropping a five-set thriller to Nadal within the Australian Open last. The six-foot six-inch, power-serving Russian mentioned he wished to strive "one thing large" in New York.
"I am working effectively. I am working effectively with my crew. I am assured in myself," he added.
