Roger Federer isn't cheering Rafael Nadal's withdrawal from the U.S. Open, but says the tournament would have benefited from the defending champion's presence.
"I’m more disappointed for the fans, his fans, and the tournament," said Federer, speaking before the U.S. Open. “It’s more exciting with him.
“For us, the players, I mean, we hope he gets well and he feels better quickly and all these things and he’s back on tour soon. But at the same time, I think what stands out is the opportunity, to try to take advantage of him, the fact that he’s not here. It’s one less really difficult player to beat maybe."
Federer and Nadal have never played each other at Flushing Meadows, the only significant tournament that has not played host to their famous rivalry. Nadal is 23-10 lifetime against Federer. The Spaniard has won their last five meetings, including a straight-sets win at the Australian Open in January.
"I mean, maybe he was not going to be in my section. Maybe I wouldn’t have played him at all, like I have never played him here in the last ten years anyways," Federer said. "I mean, it’s just that the focus is more on you or other players rather than him."