I see 2020 as ‘practically lost’ for tennis: Rafael Nadal

MADRID (AFP): Tennis star Rafael Nadal has said that he views the rest of this year as “practically lost” for tennis as the world battles with coronavirus pandemic.

In an interview today (Tuesday), he said, “I hope to play soon but if I think about it logically it isn’t possible, because we travel every week from one place to another, we are in contact with hotels, airports, all in different places.”

He further said, “If you gave guaranteed January 2021, a normal season like before, I would sign for that now with my eyes closed.”

In a separate interview, Nadal said: “I’m more looking to the Australian Open than what happens later this year. I see 2020 as practically lost.”

The Tennis star said, “If tennis returns this summer, I would skip the US Open and save myself for the French open.”

He also said, “At 33 or 34 years old that is much more valuable than at 20 when you have many more years ahead, even if it’s still a year,” adding, “Frankly, I think that will not happen. From the US Open to Roland Garros with a week in between, I just don’t think we can play.”

It is worth mentioning here that major sports events are canceled or postponed due to ongoing coronavirus pandemic. The Wimbledon canceled for the first time since World War II and the French Open postponed until the end of September.