Rafael Nadal ‘very sad’ for Novak Djokovic but steeled for tilt at fifth US Open title and 23rd slam

• Djokovic sitting out 2022 Open after refusing COVID-19 vaccination
• Nadal returning from abdominal injury to hunt a 23rd grand slam title

New title favourites Daniil Medvedev and Rafael Nadal have expressed their sadness and disappointment at Novak Djokovic's absence from the US Open. But Nadal says the show will always go on with or without the sport's biggest stars.

Djokovic is sitting out his second grand slam of the season because of his ongoing refusal to be vaccinated against COVID-19. His decision not to follow the example of more than 95 per cent of his peers on tour leaves the Serb trailing Nadal, with 22 majors, by one grand slam crown in the men's all-time title race.