(AFP) – Rafael Nadal pronounced himself fit and ready Sunday to produce some magic to entertain “suffering” tennis fans around the world as they cope with the coronavirus pandemic.
The Spanish great, who can move past the injured Roger Federer’s 20 Grand Slam titles with victory at the Australian Open beginning February 8, kicks off his season representing Spain at the ATP Cup from Tuesday.
He will take to the courts of Melbourne Park after completing 14 days of quarantine in Adelaide, where he was allowed to train for up to five hours a day before an exhibition on Friday against US Open champion Dominic Thiem.
“For me personally, preparation has been positive,” said Nadal.
“I have been able to practise around two hours per day in Adelaide. Some days a little bit more, two hours 15, two hours 20. That’s it.
“I did, I think, the things that I had to do to be ready. Now is the moment to start playing and practising with other colleagues and let’s see what’s going on.”
Most players are now out of quarantine and the world number two is keen to get the focus back on tennis, although his thoughts are with those in lockdowns around the world.
“When we arrived here, we have this quarantine. But I think that’s over. Is the moment to start talking about tennis,” he said.
“That’s why we came here: to play tennis, to try to give to the fans around the world and to the fans here in Australia.
“For some of the people who are suffering a lot at home, we try to have good entertainment for them. The only way to make that happen is to go on court, try our best.”
He leads Spain in the ATP Cup, desperate to make amends after being beaten in the final at Sydney last year by Novak Djokovic’s Serbia.
Strange situation
Nadal, who doesn’t usually play the week before a Grand Slam, said it was a different experience this year, with the tournament cut to 12 teams from 24 and all games in Melbourne immediately before the Australian Open.
“It’s a very unusual situation for most of us. Most of you that are around tennis know I never play the week before a Grand Slam,” he said.
“So is a little bit new and is a strange situation. But here I am, the same like the rest of the team, to try our best in every moment.
“Because we are a team, and a good team, with great players, we have different options. Everybody’s ready to play, and to play with very competitive level.”
Spain start their campaign against home nation Australia, who are without Nick Kyrgios but led by the in-form Alex De Minaur, who won the season-opening Antalya Open this month.
The two teams met in the ATP Cup last year with De Minaur pushing Nadal hard in an engrossing three-setter.
“It was an emotional match, not great for me, but emotional one,” Nadal said of that clash.
“He’s young, he’s improving every year. I think it’s going to be a tough battle for all of us playing against a great team like Australia.”
Source: AFP
Roger is expected to return to the court in Doha, March 8–13.
Feel better Rafa. Your teammates have covered for Team Spain very well. Best of luck on Thursday.
That wasn’t a very good start to the day 🙁 . Hope it’s nothing serious.
Hope Rafa will be ready to play against Stefano👌
Having fun watching him “coaching” RBA 😉
Rafa has pulled out because of back issue…….hope it’s not serious🤞🙏
Take care, Rafa ❤️
Rafa’s good friend Pico Monaco has now launched a player agency called Summa Sports. If my Spanish is correct he has joined Diego’s team as a manager. Good luck to them both.
Nice! Maybe we will see Pico in Diego’s player box supporting him? I enjoyed watching Rafa and Pico playing doubles.
I was wondering how Juan Martin DelPotro was doing and hoping to learn good news after his third knee surgery. Instead, I learned that his dad passed away on January 11; 63-years-old. It’s reported that he had heart surgery a few weeks before his death. They were very close so DelPo must be devastated and I feel for him.
Such a sweet. I can only wish brighter days for him. I think his spirituality will help him along the way.
Correction: Such a sweet guy.
Always wishing Rafa a great tournament….go get ‘me champ.
RAFAMAZING ROCKS
Correction: Go get ‘em champ.
AUTO CORRECT IS A DISASTER!!!!
Auto correct can go to hello.
Pauline, SABOTAGE is what it is 😬
🤣🤣🤣
Sorry to read about Capt. Tom. What a guy!
The media here had been covering him during his fundraising days. I was happy for him because he was having such a blast.
Keep safe Vamos Rafa
Rafa am so so happy that you are looking and playing great. We have missed you, but we are all sending our positivity and love for a safe and successful ATP and AO
I am ready for Rafa tennis 24 hours a day, just ask my husband 😄
All the best, Rafa ❤️
If the U.S.A. had a team there would it be a dilemma for you?
Ordinarily I would support both Team Canada and Team Spain. If they went H2H would be happy with the outcome regardless.
This year it’s Team Spain all the way. Can’t wait.
Vamos!
Hi Pauline,
No, I don’t think so. Rafa and Team Spain always😝
So excited!!!
Yes……….”let’s see what’s going on” If you are ready, for sure we are🔥💪🎾🍀❤️
Rafa we are ready vamossssssssss champ good luck 👍 😘👍
Rafa VAMOS!!! The GS record is waiting for you!!!
Oh good, I see that Spain have got the night session, with Rafa’s match due to start at 8am UK time, which saves getting up in the middle of the night!
Super ! Vamos Rafa
Good luck and Vamos Rafa❤️
Great to see tennis back and I’m
particularly looking forward to seeing Rafa and Team Spain in the ATP Cup and then Rafa bidding for a second AO title. He has come so near to success previously with heartbreaking losses. It’s time that Lady Luck came onside.🍀
My admiration, and that of millions, for Rafa as a player and human being is enormous.
Wishing him to play at his amazing best and light up Melbourne. 🇪🇸🌟👍