Rafael Nadal: Highlighting What 2012 US Open Fans Are Missing Most Without Rafa

Few players in the history of tennis have thrilled fans like Rafael Nadal.

Unfortunately, Nadal is absent from this year's U.S. Open Grand Slam, making for a much more predictable result on the men's side, as well as a slightly less entertaining two weeks in Flushing Meadows for the tennis fans in attendance and watching around the globe. 

A past champion in Queens, and one of the greatest players of all-time in terms of major tournaments won, Nadal is a can't-miss player at events such as this. 

With that said, let's take a look at what fans are missing most without Rafa in New York this summer.

Expression

Unlike other sports, tennis rewards creativity and expression. No player has represented that more so than Rafael Nadal over the years. Rafa is famous for his unique tennis fashion and expressions on the court. Whether he's sporting a lime green shirt with a blue headband, or just looking to the sky while he gives a squinting fist pump, Nadal is expressing himself constantly.

He lets fans into his world when he's performing, and allows them to see his every emotion from jubilation to pure frustration. It's one of the big reasons why so many fans support Rafa. Unlike Roger Federer, Nadal lets you know when he's coming unglued, and when he's on top of his game.

Competition

With Nadal out of the 2012 U.S. Open, fans are missing out on another level of competition on the men's side. Instead of seeing a potential Rafael Nadal vs. Novak Djokovic matchup at some point in New York, we can only hope for matchups between Djokovic, Roger Federer and Andy Murray. With one of the Big Four stars out, 25 percent of the top competition is missing at Flushing Meadows.

Nadal won the U.S. Open in 2010 and reached the final there in 2011. Rafa is always a threat to win at any tournament, but the year's final Grand Slam has become one of the Spaniard's top destinations over the past few years. Unfortunately, tennis fans won't get to see Nadal clash with the world's best this summer.

History

Nadal is arguably the greatest clay court tennis player of all-time, having won seven French Open championships, but he is still within reach of the all-time greatest Roger Federer in terms of total Grand Slam titles. Fed has 17, while Rafa has 11. With Nadal out this summer, there is no chance of him winning a 12th Slam. 

At age 26 there is still time for Rafa to bounce back and add a few more trophies to his case, but missing a tournament as massive as the U.S. Open will not help his chase with history, as he attempts to keep pace with Federer and ultimately challenge the 31-year-old for Greatest of All-Time honors. 

Follow Bleacher Report Featured Columnist Patrick Clarke on Twitter For More Reaction and Analysis on the 2012 U.S Open This Summer.