Rafael Nadal has reacted as Indian Wells tennis tournament is cancelled over coronavirus fears.
He posted on Twitter:
You probably all heard the news. Indian Wells cancelled.
We are here and still deciding what’s next. So sad for all that is happening around the world with this situation.
Hopefully soon solutions from the authorities. Stay all well and safe.
‘We are very disappointed that the tournament will not take place, but the health and safety of the local community, fans, players, volunteers, sponsors, employees, vendors, and everyone involved with the event is of paramount importance,’ said tournament director Tommy Haas.
I wouldn’t be surprised if we hear any minute that Rafa and his staff decided to shut down the Academy for 2-4 weeks. It time for the dorms and the whole facility to be sanitized…
It would be a proactive move and one I’m sure they’re considering for the safety of all.
They have already closed down the RN Foundation in both Palma and Valencia.
Spain has declared a state of emergency as they are second only to Italy in the number of cases.
According to Majorca Daily Bulletin many closings and cancellations are taking place there.
Yes full lockdown begins in Spain on Monday. The Madrid Tatel restaruant that Rafa co-owns closed and gave their stock of fresh food to what looked like a local hospital. People can go out for work, so I guess Rafa can go to the academy to practice if he wants, and there will be no members of the public there.
I’ve just seen that France is closing all non-essential public places from tonight too.
They’ve asked all travelling players and staff to come home. Spain’s now in lockdown – flights going out there from the UK this morning had to turn round in mid-air and come back. This situation’s just so horrible: I can’t believe all this is happening. It’s like something out of an old horror novel, but it’s real. Stay safe and well, everyone.
My daughter was going to Europe next Friday. UK,France , Spain… You can’t imagine how much trouble it’s been to get refunds from Airbnb especially and from Norwegian Airlines who is still holding out even though we now have a travel ban from the US to the UK… (which was how her ticket was booked) Hotels have been terrific across-the-board all canceled and refunded…
IN NY and NJ people are working from home. Supermarkets are jammed and people are scared.
Correction : Mayor of Madrid not Major
Spain has just announced a state of emergency for 15 days, commencing Saturday. The number of virus cases has increased to over 4 000 (nearly 300 in the last 24 hours), half of which are in and around the capital. The Major of Madrid has warned that a lockdown could not be ruled out.
The news must have brought it home to Rafa in that he must be even more concerned for the health of his family and his ability to travel for competition. I echoe what RR and Margo have said about Rafa’s contact with fans. He needs to do the sensible thing and avoid unnecessary physical contact with the public until this virus is brought under control.
Yes indeed Lorna.
To Rafa fans: Please, if you meet him somewhere be satisfied with taking a photo from 6 feet away. Respect his personal space and the fact that these are not normal times. Athletes and celebrities are not immune from this virus as we have seen. No one is.
If everyone takes precautions we will be better able to get through this. Thank you.
Although it’s been reported in Essentially Sport that ranking points will drop off in respect of cancelled tournaments, i think this may be an assumption on their part because the ATP is still considering what to do. Whichever way you look at it, there will be many who will be affected for the better or worse. However, on balance, the fairest thing to do would be to maintain the status quo let players keep their ranking points.
Rafa has a lot of points to defend by virtue of winning Rome and the French Open. Whilst the former will surely be cancelled, I’m keeping my fingers firmly crossed that the French Open will go ahead.
Like other sports, tennis is in disarray as a direct result of the virus and it remains to be seen what damage limitation steps the ATP and WTA will take to salvage what they can from the calender.
The ATP have officially suspended the tour now, and presumably the WTA will do the same. They’re not even going to finish this week’s challengers. The statement said that they haven’t decided what to do about ranking points yet – like the rest of us, they just don’t know what’s going to happen. I can’t believe all this is happening. Strange times!
According to the BBC and other sources the Miami Open is officially cancelled and tennis will be suspended at least until May.
So happy that Rafa is back home. He is still posing for photos with his arms around fans. I truly wish he would stop this. As Margo rightly mentioned he is in close contact with many family members including his much older grandmas. Most fans will understand and for those who don’t-too bad.
“While competition continues, the ITA does encourage post-match sportsmanship. Players can substitute a light racquet tap, for example, for the traditional handshake or other close contact.”
The ITA is the governing body of college tennis.
VAMOS SWEETHEART!!!!!:) JUST READ YOU HAVE HIGHEST RETURN RECORD WHEN SCORE IS D. SO HERE IS MY RESPONSE TO THE WRITER:
Brilliant GOAT Nadal is the ultimate passionate fighter !!!!!:) Your great article stat indicative of Rafa’s brilliant love of winning!!!!:) VAMOS to our Tennis Genius The greatest Rafa Nadal!!!!!:)
GO RAFA GO!!!!!WE LOVE YOU! XOXOXO
Obviously it’s far from the most important thing, but in terms of tennis, at this point I’m grateful that Rafa has a big chunk of points from the latter part of 2019 so he should still be able to break the record for consecutive weeks in the top 10. And worse comes to worst, he is #4 in the race ranking this year. I feel for the players who are losing points and rankings for no fault of their own and especially for the lower ranked ones who are paying out for travel and accommodation in the US with no chance to earn any prize money.
Miami is most likely cancelled. Rafa is allegedly already back in Mallorca.
Stay healthy everyone!
There are reports that the ATP/WTA players are voting on whether to shut down the tour for the next six weeks, This obviously includes Miami. If true an announcement is supposed to be made tomorrow.
I can’t see how Miami can go ahead if players can’t travel from the Schengen countries to the US. Rome certainly can’t be played as things are, and Monte Carlo’s right on the Italian border. I don’t think there’s much choice but to suspend the tour. What a nightmare all this is 🙁 . And I hope he hasn’t been anywhere near Real Madrid’s training facilities!
Miami is apparently going ahead.
Nice message from Rafa. No complaints, concern for others and making a plan for him and his team.
Vamos Rafa.
Great King Rafa i Hope you are ready for Indian Wells
better to be safe and well… go Rafaxx
So disappointed that I will not b able to attend Rafa and Friends and also to see my favorite player Rafa as he he is playing so well. See you soon!
I’ve just received a notification that the whole of Italy is now in lockdown. My thoughts go beyond tennis and out to all those individuals and communities affected by the virus. Common sense, calm and hope is required by at this difficult time.
Yes Lorna, I am wondering what all the Italian players will have to go through. They may be required to self quarantine once they reach home. Italy already has 8,000 cases and hundreds of deaths. Scientists are trying to figure out how and why the virus has spread so quickly there. This is unbelievable.
Everyone be well.
It seems a rather drastic decision over just one case in the area, but presumably they’ve taken advice from the medical authorities.
There’s a couple more confirmed cases there now. I doubt there will be any isolated cases of coronavirus. It’s very contagious and only those who have already had it have immunity.
Stay well, Rafael. We regret that we will not see you on the court in beautiful Indian Wells. But you are right-there are priorities which must be considered first. Now all major tournaments are being
reconsidered I am sure. All the best🤗🎾❤️
Right on Rafa! Health takes precedence over all. So glad for all the ball kids…having to catch sweaty towels, especially if the player has wiped his nose on it as well, is monumentally a RISK FACTOR ! Cheers to all.
Mayor of Madrid not Major 😀
we had hoped to see you in indian wells quarters, semis, finals……now we are planning on rogers cup…be well rafa and yes, the safety of all is of utmost importance……..good lucj with upcoming tournaments……