Djokovic: 'Disrespectful to say I have better luck without Roger Federer and Nadal'

From the first reactions of the players after a few days in the bubble, one thing seems clear: the efforts of the USTA to create a comfortable environment even with all the restrictions due to the pandemic have given the desired results. All those interviewed on Friday's Media Day about the logistical situation within the bubble have promoted the Long Island Marriott hotel accommodation with flying colors. Novak Djokovic addressed the media ahead of the Cincinnati Masters and spoke about the absence of Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal at USO. The Serb also explained why he had not made the decision to come to the tournament until last week.

Djokovic on Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal

"I did not make my decision to come because Rafael Nadal withdrew," explained the World No. 1. "I had already decided to come several months ago...I wanted to resume on hard because it is a surface on which I feel very comfortable. It's on hard that I've had the most success. I love playing the US Open. I had decided to come, but I was not sure that it could be possible because certain points had to be clarified, in particular, the absence of quarantine on return to Europe," Novak Djokovic asserted. "Each Grand Slam is a title opportunity, but I am not the only one. It would be really disrespectful to say that I have better luck without Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal for all the other players. Thiem, Zverev, Tsitsipas, Medvedev are as strong as the three of us. Anyone can win, especially after six months without a circuit because we don't really know how we're going to feel on the court," said the 17-time Grand Slam champion. "Things were so unpredictable," said the 33-year-old. "In the end of the day, it is positive we are here. There are going to be a lot of people around the world who think we should not play tennis, that no public gathering should happen. I understand that fully. I really do. But, you know, I think there also is going to be quite a lot of people that are going to be happy to see tennis keep going," finished Novak Djokovic. Due to the pandemic, there have been many important decisions by the organizers and players. Like there will be no fans in the stadium and after a long time, we won’t have Rafael Nadal and Roger Federer in a slam. So does this give an easy and straight path to Novak Djokovic for his 18th Grand Slam?

from Tennis World USA https://ift.tt/2YqXR5H