Rafael Nadal waving to the crowd during the 2020 Australian Open. (Getty Images)
Spaniard Rafael Nadal is at his home in Mallorca undergoing self-isolation due to the coronavirus lockdown
Rafael Nadal shared his views upon the resumption of tennis amidst the coronavirus lockdown.
The Spanish tennis star like many of his counterparts is currently undergoing self-isolation at his home in Mallorca, Spain.
The suspension of all tennis-related activities at least until July 13 has restricted Nadal and the rest of the players to stay at home in a bid to curb the spread of the pandemic virus.
Meanwhile, Nadal was in conversation with Spanish radio Onda Cero, who asked the 19-time Grand Slam winner whether he was okay with the tennis season resuming amidst the crisis.
“I honestly doubt that a great tournament can take place in the short or medium term. Tennis is a world sport: we go from country to country moving a lot of people,” Nadal said.
Nadal admitted that he was fine with the idea of resuming the tennis season, however, he added that it would be possible under one major condition.
According to him, continuing the season amidst the virus outbreak seemed like a very difficult hypothesis. However, he was open to the idea of playing behind closed doors as it was a way of resuming tennis again.
Meanwhile, current World No.1 Novak Djokovic had a different opinion regarding the resumption of tennis.
While speaking to radio station Cadena Cope in a Red Cross fund-raising broadcast, the Serb revealed that whatever decision was being taken, he did not want them to be taken in haste.
“Tennis behind closed doors? It depends, It’s not an easy decision. It is bigger than our sport, this decision. I am ready to play, but this will come in the next months. I am lucky to be with my family. Normally we are always travelling.”
32-year-old Djokovic had a great start to the season, winning the ATP Cup, and his 17th Grand Slam title after emerging champion in Australia earlier this year.
His exploits in Melbourne saw him topple Spaniard Nadal to clinch the top spot in the ATP Rankings pushing the latter to the second place.
Djokovic’s season seemed to be getting from good to better, as he continued his good form to clinch the Dubai Open title in February. However, he faced a major setback as play got suspended in March following the virus outbreak.
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