Novak Djokovic: Strange not to have Rafael Nadal and Roger Federer at US Open

World No. 1 Novak Djokovic admits not having either Rafael Nadal or Roger Federer at the US Open is strange but acknowledged that a number of other great players have commited to play the US Open.

Federer, a record 20-time Grand Slam champion, underwent a season-ending knee surgery, while 19-time Grand Slam champion Nadal decided to skip the US Open over coronavirus concerns. 

Djokovic, a 17-time Grand Slam champion, is now the top favorite to win the US Open and come two Grand Slams away from equaling Federer's all-time record.

"It is definitely strange not to have Federer and Nadal, at least one of them. They will be missed, without a doubt, because they are who they are, legends of our sport," Djokovic said.

"But, you know, with Federer and Nadal and Wawrinka not coming to the tournament, every other top player is here. So I don't make a significant difference in terms of whether this Grand Slam should be considered as a Grand Slam in terms of title or something like that. I see there is a conversation about that and that people think that it should not be valued in the same way. I disagree with that.

"I think most of the top players are here. Yes, the circumstances and conditions are obviously different. Yes, we are not having the crowd, we have restrictions, the bubble. We have restricted access from team members to some player areas and stuff. But in the end of the day, we also have a suite now (smiling). We usually don't have. So that's kind of on a brighter side an advantage of not having a crowd, is that you have as a seeded player access to your own suite on center court where you can have an area for resting, for treatment. You can, you know, obviously order food. You can have your private time. I think that's great."

Djokovic says his private home has a 24/7 security 

Djokovic rented a private home and it came with a hefty price but he has no regrets.

"We have a 24/7 security, four guys controlling the front and back of the house so we can't go without them seeing us. And, yeah, I mean, we are in the bubble environment. You know, we are controlled from the point when we leave the house to when we arrive on-site. We have to be in contact constantly with USTA representatives," Djokovic said.

"So, yeah, I mean, it was an investment for me, but I know it is a right one. I mean, of course I'm, you know, grateful that I can afford this kind of investment. It's quite a significant one, especially in these kind of circumstances.

"But, you know, being able to go out and have a garden and have some kind of peace and quiet, yeah... Especially in these kind of circumstances, it's definitely a luxury, and I'm grateful."

from Tennis World USA https://ift.tt/31mp4Ig