Nadal frustrated at slam rival Murray’s drop-out

RAFAEL Nadal hinted at annoyance with the timing of Andy Murray’s withdrawal from the US Open, calling it “difficult to understand”.

The world No 2 had looked set to play in New York having practised at Flushing Meadows for a week only to decide, after a final hit on Saturday lunchtime, that his hip was too sore.

Had Murray pulled out prior to Friday’s draw, Roger Federer would have moved up to number two seed and he and Nadal would not have been in the same half of the draw.

Nadal, who defeated Serbia’s Dusan Lajovic 7-6 (8/6) 6-2 6-2 in his opening-round match, said: “I always thought that he was going to be playing if he was here practising.

“It was a little bit strange that he retired just the morning after the draw was made. It was something that is a little bit strange and difficult to understand.

“Normally you want to keep practising, keep trying until the last moment. You don’t retire Saturday morning. You retire Monday morning or Sunday afternoon. If not, you can do it before the draw.

“That’s why I say it’s strange. But of course he has his reason, and for sure the only news, and the negative news, was that he will not be playing here.

“Injuries are bad for everybody. I know better than all of them. So I wish him fast and good recovery. That’s the most important thing.”

Nadal, who pulled out of Wimbledon in 2009 on the Friday night after the draw had been made due to ongoing knee problems, ultimately won against Lajovic but looked far from comfortable during the opening set at Arthur Ashe Stadium.

He knows he will have to play better if he is to challenge for a third title at Flushing Meadows.