Rafa’s condition is worrying everybody without any exception. Missing the Olympic Games, Toronto, Cincinnati and the US Open is not normal.
Even if Rafa has been a big pain for his rivals, Federer, Djokovic and Murray exressed all their sympathy for the sitution.
FEDERER
“Well, not a surprise, because I wrote him and he told me like it wasn’t looking good at all. I kind of knew. Saw it coming. But obviously when it’s official it’s disappointing for tennis, there’s no doubt about it. I would love to have him in the draw. In particular, sort of the 12 days before the Open you figure he might still have time to fix what he has to fix to get ready. If he pulls out that early before the Open, it must be something serious. That’s what is sort of scary. There is obviously the whole debate going on if he is going come back for this year. I hope he will. He’s definitely got some more weeks off now because of it. I hope in hindsight this is a very smart decision by him. But it’s obviously a big blow and disappointing news for the tennis world.”
DJOKOVIC
“Well, I really don’t know what the injury is and how serious it is. Obviously it’s that serious that takes him, you know, out from the tour for last couple of months. You know, he’s a great competitor, and, you know. He’s somebody I know really well on and off the court. I’m sure that if he was able to perform in US Open he would come. So I wish him a quick recovery, obviously.”
MURRAY
“It’s obviously a shame. I mean, I like Rafa a lot as a friend. Yeah, I’m disappointed for him. But I think for tennis and also a major competitions, it’s a huge benefit when you have the top players playing. Yeah, it’s obviously tough for him. He’s had trouble with his knees in the past. So, you know, 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.”
DEL POTRO
“He’s a big fighter. He will be with us very, very soon, and could be dangerous for us when he come back because he gonna be much better than the rest of the players. He’s still very, very young, of course. He has many challenge to do it, so he will be ready very soon. I wish all the best for him because he’s a nice guy.”
FISH
“It’s too bad. You felt like if he wasn’t able to come to at least here — a lot of guys took Toronto off, but at least come here. Maybe he was in trouble. So it’s a shame. You know, he made the final last year and he’s the past champion year before that. He’ll be missed.”
RAONIC
“I don’t think too many players concern themselves too deeply about it.”
Tomorrow Rafa will have a press conference in Manacor. We know he will be back… He has to!!!
