Players react to Rafael Nadal's Withdrawal from the U.S. Open

by JAMES HENRY CINCINNATI – Rafael Nadal’s announcement that he will not compete at the U.S. Open was a big surprise – and disappointment – to players at the Western & Southern Open. Novak Djokovic, who defeated Nadal for the U.S. Open title last year, said he wished a quick recovery for his rival. “I really don’t know what the injury is and how serious it is. Obviously, it’s that serious that it takes him, you know, out from the tour for last couple of months,” Djokovic said. “He’s a great competitor,” he added. “He’s somebody I know really well on and off the court. I’m sure that if he was able to perform in U.S. Open he would come.” Andy Murray noted he likes Nadal a lot as a friend.