Rafael Nadal is taking no pleasure from Novak Djokovic missing the US Open despite it boosting the Spaniard's chances in Flushing Meadows.
In the early hours of Wednesday morning Nadal, 36, will open his campaign in New York against Australia's Rinky Hijikata. The Spaniard is bidding for a third Grand Slam title in 2022, to add to his Australian Open and French Open wins.
A fifth triumph at Flushing Meadows would also take his career total of Slam titles to 23, two clear of Djokovic after the Serbian star narrowed the gap by winning Wimbledon. Furthermore, the 36-year-old also has the chance to break his rival's record by ending the year as the oldest ever world No 1.
