Dan Evans makes admission over Novak Djokovic's US Open ban and offers Rafael Nadal claim

Dan Evans has claimed that unvaccinated star Novak Djokovic is a big miss from the US Open.

And the British No 2 also thinks that Rafael Nadal would rather have the Serbian star competing at Flushing Meadows so that he was able to win the tournament in "the best possible way." The Spaniard is chasing a third Grand Slam title of 2022, and 23rd overall, having already claimed the Australian Open and French Open.

However, Djokovic didn't play in Melbourne having been deported out of the country just a day before the tournament began, following an explosive legal battle over his Visa. At Wimbledon, it was Nadal forced to withdraw, but only after he'd reached the semi-final stage and picked up an abdominal injury.

Djokovic has won the US Open three times and only failed to complete a calendar Grand Slam in New York last year when he lost the final to Daniil Medvedev. His title at SW19 this summer represented his 21st Slam - one behind Nadal.

But the Serb is not allowed into the USA as an unvaccinated foreign national. And world No 22 Evans, who begins his campaign against Jiri Vesely on Tuesday, as voiced his discontent at the ruling.

“It is a disappointment that Novak is not here," he said. "Obviously there is a rule but i think there can be unvaccinated players playing in the tournament. That is my understanding - if you are American, you can be unvaccinated.

There will be no clash between the two icons, Djokovic and Nadal, at the US Open (Tim Clayton/Corbis via Getty Images)

"And I think the bottom line is that he would add something to this tournament. I don’t know the chats they had with the US. But I think it would have been nice to see him here."

And British star Evans thinks Nadal would rather triumph in New York having been able to say he'd toppled his great rival: "I think people like Rafa would want him to be here so whoever does win the tournament, has won the tournament in the best possible way.”

Djokovic finally admitted defeat in his battle to play in America last week, tweeting: "Sadly, I will not be able to travel to NY this time for US Open. "Thank you #NoleFam for your messages of love and support. Good luck to my fellow players!"