Medvedev beat Djokovic 3-0 in last year’s U.S. Open final, winning his first Grand Slam.
Current world number one Daniil Medvedev also regretted that the Grand Slam in New York lacked Djokovic.
He said: “I wish Djokovic was here, but I also fully understand the rules of the US government.
The rivalry between Djokovic and Nadal makes me feel hot every day. Their 22 and 21 Grand Slam titles are like a joke.”
He then lost to Nadal 2-3 in the 2022 Australian Open final.
The Russian endured a difficult season, suffered an injury and was banned from Wimbledon.
Medvedev’s form in the North American hard court season has also been less impressive, with just one title at Los Cabos earlier this month.
“The U.S. Open has always been the biggest stage for me,” Medvedev said.
