NEW YORK, Aug 27 (Reuters) - World number one Novak Djokovic heads into the U.S. Open as red-hot favourite to win his 18th Grand Slam and has played down the absence of perennial rivals Rafael Nadal and Roger Federer.
Holder Nadal pulled out earlier this month due to novel coronavirus-related issues surrounding the Aug. 31-Sept. 13 tournament at Flushing Meadows, while Federer will miss the rest of the season after having knee surgery in June.
“They will be missed, no doubt, because they are legends of our sport. But apart from Federer, Nadal and Wawrinka, all the best players are there. While the other players are staying in two hotels, the 33-year-old Serb chose to rent a house for the tournament because of what he described as a more comfortable environment.
“But, still, we are part of the bubble, as four people control the two entrances to the house so we cannot go out without them seeing us.”
South Africa Latest News, South Africa Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
Top-ranked Djokovic cruises into semis at US Open tuneupWorld number one Novak Djokovic cruised into the semi-finals of the ATP and WTA Western & Southern Open.
Read more »
Novak Djokovic semi-final delayed after US Open tune-up suspended to protest racial injustice.DjokerNole cruised past Germany's Jan-Lennard Struff to reach the Western & Southern Open semi-final, which has been postponed after organisers suspended play on Thursday in protest against racial injustice | IOLsport
Read more »
'Hidden agendas at play’ in SA Rugby as Cheetahs players worry about PRO14 futureRuan Pienaar has lashed out at South African rugby authorities for not playing open cards with this country’s players, especially CheetahsRugby, about their plans for the PRO14Official. By jacq_west | IOLsport
Read more »
Life-threatening Hurricane Laura set to hit the US this weekSome of the largest US refineries are winding down in advance of Laura, shutting in about 30% of US Gulf Coast refining capacity
Read more »
Serena has tricky US Open path in search of 24th SlamThe women's draw unveiled Thursday ahead of Monday's start of the Flushing Meadows fortnight in a spectator-less COVID-19 quarantine bubble offers some challenges for the 38-year-old third seed.
Read more »
Serena Williams stunned by Maria Sakkari at Western and Southern Open.serenawilliams was sent spinning out of the Western and Southern Open by mariasakkari after the Greek rallied from a set down to beat the 23-times Grand Slam champion | IOLsport
Read more »