Rafael Nadal cautious on US Open chances but not because of Novak Djokovic

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Rafael Nadal is being very cautious regarding his chances at this year’s US Open. The Spaniard is still doubtful for the tournament due to a niggling foot injury.

It forced him to skip Wimbledon and the Olympics, as well the Toronto Masters and the ongoing tournament in Cincinnati.

But ahead of the final grand slam of the year, the 35-year-old recalled the difficult decision he made to skip last year’s US Open.

“I missed the US Open and had to make the decision. I did not prepare well for Roland Garros, with only a couple of tournaments in the entire season,” he explained.

He remained tight-lipped about his chances of lifting the title in New York for a record-equalling fifth time and admitted how challenging it is to beat some of the younger players.

“It’s not easy for me to win the big events against the younger rivals,” he said.

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“I want to continue doing the best thing that I think I do: play tennis. And when my career comes to an end, I hope to fit in well because it will not be easy, although I have an intense life outside of tennis that fulfills me.”

Novak Djokovic is the favorite heading into the US Open, as he bids to complete the calendar slam and become the first player to achieve the feat since Steffi Graf in 1988.

However, the likes of Stefanos Tsitsipas, Olympic gold medalist Sascha Zverev and Daniil Medvedev are the players leading the charge for the younger generation and will seek their maiden grand slam.

Medvedev won last week in Toronto and is on course to reclaim the Cinciannti Masters title he won in 2019.

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The Russian previously revealed he would relish the opportunity to face Rafa on his beloved clay.

The players have met on four occasions, each time on a hard court and the world number two beat Nadal for the first time at the 2020 ATP Finals in London.

“I would like to play Rafa at one of the clay-court Masters 1000 events,” Medvedev explained.

“I probably would not have many chances, but playing Rafa on clay is a great challenge. I did not have this moment so far, so it would be a great experience.

“I want an almost impossible challenge to make, but some people of my age have already beaten Rafa on clay, so I would love to try.”

The US Open gets uderway on Monday August 30 and UK fans can catch all the action on Amazon Prime Video.

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