Nadal's absence no reason to celebrate
August 16, 2012 14:24:29 UK
Rafael Nadal's absence from the upcoming US Open may have boosted their chances, but the likes of Novak Djokovic and Andy Murray are unhappy to see the 2010 champion miss out.
Recurring knee problems mean that Nadal will be absent from Flushing Meadows, leaving the other three members of the 'big four' hotly tipped to battle it out for the title.
I hope he can rest, doesn't come back too early and gets them fixed so he can get back to playing his best tennis.
Andy Murray
Defending champion Djokovic - 2.25 to triumph again - who beat Nadal in the final 12 months ago, said: "He's a great competitor. I'm sure that if he was able to perform in the US Open he would come."
Meanwhile Murray, who has suffered knee problems himself recently, added: "I'm disappointed for him, it's obviously tough. He's had trouble with his knees in the past.
"I hope he can rest, doesn't come back too early and gets them fixed so he can get back to playing his best tennis."
Murray, boosted by his recent gold medal run at the London Olympics, is 4.33 to finally land a first Grand Slam title at the US Open, having lost out to Roger Federer in the final four years ago.
Meanwhile, the Scot is content that his own knee is in good shape after he opened his Cincinnati Masters campaign with a 6-2 6-4 win over home hope Sam Querrey.
Murray said after setting up a third round clash with Frenchman Jeremy Chardy: "The knee felt fine.
"It was still giving me a little bit of trouble in practice for a couple of days before the tournament, but it felt much, much better on the court."
Murray is 1.062 to see off Chardy and is 1001.00 to successfully defend the title he has won in Cincinnati on two previous occasions.
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