Nadal can capitalise on Djokovic's absence in Cincinnati to close in on THIS huge record

Twenty-two-time Grand Slam champion Rafael Nadal has an outstanding opportunity to close in on a massive record held by arch-rival vak Djokovic if he were to win Cincinnati Open 2022. With Serbian set to miss out on event due to COVID vaccination protocols, Nadal will have one less key challenger at Western & Sourn Open this year.

Nadal could close in on huge record held by Djokovic

With vak Djokovic set to miss Cincinnati Open 2022 due to United States' COVID vaccination protocols, Rafael Nadal could close in on Serbian's ATP Masters 1000 titles wins. As things stand, Djokovic has won 38 ATP Masters 1000 titles while Nadal has won 36.

If Nadal were to win Cincinnati Open 2022, he would t only close in on Djokovic's record but would also give him an opportunity to return to top of ATP rankings. If Spaniard were to win event and Medvedev were to exit tournament before quarters, n Nadal could rise to top of rankings for first time since February 2020.

Djokovic's chances of competing at US Open seem low

vak Djokovic pulled out of Cincinnati Open 2022 on Friday because he has t gotten any COVID-19 vaccine shots and so is t allowed to travel to United States. As a result, he is also t expected to be able to enter  US Open, which is year’s last Grand Slam tournament. US Open 2022 begins in New York on August 29.

As for Djokovic's vaccination status, Serbian has said he won’t get vaccinated against illness caused by coronavirus, even if that prevents him from playing in certain tournaments. He missed Australian Open in January after being deported from that country and needed to sit out two events in United States earlier this year, along with a tournament in Montreal this week.

When it comes to Djokovic's participation at US Open, 21-time Grand Slam champion has said he was still holding out hope of being able to enter tournament in New York. However, that would require a change of government policy, which US Tennis Association has said that y will adhere to.

(With inputs from AP)