Rafael Nadal Benefited From Djokovic's COVID-19 Vaccine Fiasco, Says Former World No. 1

Former World No. 1 John McEnroe believes Rafael Nadal has "benefited" from the fiasco around Novak Djokovic's COVID-19 vaccine status.

A nine-time Australian Open champion, Djokovic was not allowed to enter the country for the calendar year's opening Grand Slam earlier this year. In his absence, Nadal clinched the singles title and took his major titles tally to 21. The Spaniard then extended his lead by winning the Roland Garros, where he defeated Djokovic in the quarter-final.

Djokovic has refused to take the COVID-19 vaccine and may miss the upcoming US Open due to U.S. government rules that foreign travelers should provide proof of full vaccination to enter the country.

McEnroe, who won a total of 16 Grand Slams, singles and doubles combined, during his playing career in the 70s and the 80s, said it would be a "joke" if Djokovic was not allowed to compete in the US Open because of the country's vaccination and travel rules.

"I don't think it's fair. I think it's a joke. I would have had the vaccine and gone and played but he's got very strong beliefs and you have to respect that. At this point, in the pandemic, we're two-and-a-half years in, I think people in all parts of the world know more about it, and the idea that he can't travel here to play, to me is a joke," the four-time US Open champion told reporters Tuesday.

In the Grand Slam men's singles race, Djokovic is one title behind Nadal, while Roger Federer is still stuck at 20 Grand Slams.

When McEnroe was asked if Djokovic's chances of finishing above his rivals in terms of Grand Slam victories were being affected by his absences from major tournaments, the American tennis figure replied, "That's the question that we all want to know the answer to. Obviously, Rafa Nadal has benefited from that. If a guy has won the Australian Open eight or nine times, you would think (Djokovic blew) a chance in a way."

Counted among the legends of tennis, McEnroe clinched the top ATP rank in both singles and doubles. He finished his decorated career with 77 singles and 78 doubles titles, which remains the highest men's combined total of the Open Era. McEnroe also remains the only male player to win more than 70 titles in both singles and doubles categories.

"These three guys are already above everyone else. Rafa was able to pull off a miraculous win that not many people expected in Australia. Novak got there at Wimbledon and then Rafa got hurt," added McEnroe.

US Open 2022 is scheduled to begin on Aug. 29 at Flushing Meadows in New York and will go on till Sept. 11. Since Alexander Zverev has officially pulled out of US Open, Nadal will enter the tournament as the second seed, behind defending champion Daniil Medvedev.