“People thought Rafael Nadal was going to break down way earlier” – When Roger Federer spoke on Spaniard defying expectations despite US Open absence

Despite being absent from the US Open due to injury, Rafael Nadal’s remarkable longevity was previously acknowledged by Roger Federer during a discussion.

Despite his talent, Nadal’s 2012 season was plagued by bad luck as he suffered from tendinitis in his knee. This resulted in his withdrawal from both the London Olympics and the North American hard court swing, including the prestigious US Open.

Despite recognizing Rafael Nadal’s absence from the US Open as a major loss, Roger Federer showed his understanding and backed the Spaniard’s choice to prioritize his recovery.

“I mean, it would be better if he would be here, but then again, it’s good to see him maybe giving it a chance to heal and taking tough decisions like not coming here,”he said in a press conference at the US Open.

The Swiss player also expressed his compassion for Nadal’s difficult journey, emphasizing the missed chances he faced at the Olympics, the Masters 1000 tournaments before the US Open, and the Grand Slam itself.

“It’s been a brutal process for him, I’m sure, missing the Olympics, which I’m sure was also a big goal for him. Then the North American swing and now this? I mean, this is significant, but it’s not been six months yet,”he said.

“So I think it’s not the end of the world, but it’s obviously much better if he were to be here. There’s no doubt about that. But he’s had a great run in Grand Slams as well and playing so many tournaments,”he added.

Despite facing an injury setback, Nadal’s ability to make a strong comeback was expressed with optimism by Federer. He highlighted that the Spaniard had already surpassed expectations by playing for four more years than what was initially predicted.

“Many people thought he was going to break down way earlier, and he has played I think four years longer than people already expected. People thought four years ago the end is very near. None of that,”the Swiss said.

“I just hope he’s taking a little rest right now and hopefully coming back strong for the end of the year,”he added.

Defending Champion Rafael Nadal’s Absence Leads to Roger Federer’s Quarterfinal Exit at US Open 2012

At the 2012 US Open, Roger Federer, the top seed, was determined to secure his sixth title at the Major. He started his journey with a dominant 6-3, 6-2, 6-4 victory against Donald Young.

Extending his impressive streak, the Swiss player went on to triumph over Bjorn Phau with a score of 6-2, 6-3, 6-2, before securing a 6-3, 6-4, 6-4 win against Fernando Verdasco in the third round, advancing to the fourth round.

Despite receiving a walkover from Mardy Fish, Federer faced off against sixth seed Tomas Berdych in the quarterfinals. In a surprising turn of events, Berdych pulled off an upset against the top seed, defeating him 7-6(1), 6-4, 3-6, 6-3 and securing a spot in the semifinals in New York.

The 2012 US Open was notable for Rafael Nadal’s withdrawal and Roger Federer’s quarterfinal defeat, as it was the first time since the 2004 French Open that neither player advanced to the semifinals of a Grand Slam event.