Rafael Nadal’s withdrawal from the Masters 1000 in Indian Wells (California, United States) is “sad for the tournament”, said Thursday another tennis legend, Serbian Novak Djokovic, who enters the fray on Saturday.

“It’s sad for the tournament that Rafa had to withdraw. I traveled with him to come to the United States, involuntarily, it was very nice to see him. I know he decided to come early to absorb the time difference, practice as much as possible and get ready to play. He did his best.” ‘Nole’ will begin his competition against the Australian Aleksandar Vukic.