12th time French Open winner Rafael Nadal believes he’s played his last tennis of 2020 and has predicted the sport won’t return until next year’s Australian Open.
Rafael Nadal And Dominic Thiem (L-R) Photo credit: ABC
Like every other major sport, tennis has been badly hit by the coronavirus pandemic, which has seen Wimbledon, which was scheduled for July, and September’s French Open cancelled in recent weeks.
The ATP and WTA have also suspended their seasons through until at least mid-July and it’s expected that postponement will be extended in the coming weeks.
Nadal spoke to Spanish newspaper El Pais yesterday to discuss the current health crisis and predicted the sport won’t return until next year. “I hope we can return before the end of the year but unfortunately, I don’t think so,” said the world No 2.
Nadal says his focus is now on being ready for the Australian Open in January 2021 but fears that event could even be shelved. “I would sign up to being ready for 2021,” the Spaniard added.
“I’m more worried about the Australian Open than what occurs at the end of this year. I think 2020 is practically lost. I hope we can start up again next year, I really hope that’s the case.”
“I hope we’re able to return this year, but I don’t think we will,” he told Spanish newspaper El Pais on Tuesday. “Unfortunately, I would sign up to be ready for 2021 -hopefully.
“I’m more concerned about the Australian Open (in January) than about what happens later this year. I see 2020 as practically lost. I have hope to be able to start next year, that’s what I wish.”
“We are trying to unite as many people as possible to create something beautiful,” said Nadal. “I am very grateful for everyone’s collaborative effort: athletes, artists, companies, federations, citizens.
“I’m a sentimental person, who is affected by things and seeing so many people suffering so much, so many people who have lost family members without even being able to say goodbye.
“In the end, being able to hug your brother or sister alleviates some of your pain and imagine that they have not even been able to do that. You have to be positive and keep moving forward. There is no other choice.”
Nadal is dedicating some of his free time to helping those in need and has teamed up with Spanish NBA star Pau Gasol and joined ‘Red Cross Responds,’ a project aiming to distribute food and care packages and provide support to more than 1.3 million vulnerable people across the country.
Rafael Nadal lifts the French Open trophy for the 12th time after his four-set victory over Dominic Thiem in Paris.
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