Rafa Nadal won’t be in New York to defend his US Open title next week due to an injured wrist. Nadal had an excellent chance of repeating as champ–he was having a fine year and customarily won the French Open in June, his ninth French Open title. The US Open with its rollicking environment, especially in the night rounds, seems to match Nadal’s energy and stamina as well as it does any player. The 2013 title was his second and he’s made the last three finals. Roger Federer, who has been enjoying a resurgence and won last week in Cincinnati, will profess to miss his Spanish rival–but that will be mere chivalry. With Andy Murray struggling, Federer must feel that only #1 Novak Djokovic stands between him and his 18th Grand Slam title–if he plays his best. Federer was just a whisper away from defeating Djokovic in this year’s Wimbledon final.
Nadal made his announcement via his Facebook page: “I am sure you understand that it is a very tough moment for me since it is a tournament I love and where I have great memories from fans, the night matches, so many things,” adding, “Not much more I can do right now, other than accept the situation…”
