"Absence of Federer, Nadal, Serena and Venus Williams is affecting US Open" says Novak Djokovic

The 2021 US Open was hit by a string of cancellations by several notable players with the majority of them coming only weeks ahead of the event. Defending champion Dominic Thiem pulled out because of an injury as did Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal.

The legendary duo won't play at all in 2021 and remains to be seen when they will really return to tennis. Serena Williams worked hard to come back in time but also pulled out due to an injury as did Venus Williams. Djokovic spoke on the absences saying:

“Of course, as a tennis fan, as well, I’d like to see as many people as possible. If I and Naomi manage, along with other players, to attract more people to the US Open, to the stands, great. If not, not great.”

The absence of those players mentioned above has a clear impact according to Djokovic who said:

“Of course, the absence of Serena, Rafa, Roger, Dominic, of course, Venus, is affecting, no doubt about it. But we are here. I feel also the players who are here, along with me on the men’s side, deserve the credit. They’re the next generation.”

Djokovic believes the future of tennis is in good hands and he would like to see more promotion for the younger guys saying:

“We need to do more promotion of their own stories, their own brands. I know that people like to see the three of us on the men’s side, of course Serena, Williams sisters, Naomi, probably some big stars on the women’s side.”