“That Was a Risk”: Rafael Nadal Unhappy with Poor Scheduling at French Open 2020

The different conditions at the French Open 2020 were considered to be the biggest challenge for Rafael Nadal this year. On Tuesday, Nadal was handed his biggest test yet in that regard, with his quarter-final match starting just an hour before midnight in Paris.

The match went late into the night, under really cold conditions. These odd hours can be put down to the scheduling for the day. Court Philippe Chatrier had five matches on Tuesday, with Nadal’s match against Italy’s Jannik Sinner being the last one on the schedule.

Nadal pointed out the error on the organizers’ part and called it a risk to have to play in these conditions. “I think is little bit dangerous for the body play with these very heavy conditions. But that’s what happened today. I really don’t know why they put five matches on the Chatrier today. That was a risk,” Nadal said after his 7-6(4), 6-4, 6-1 win.

Rafael Nadal was ready for the ‘cold’ challenge

One of the four matches that preceded Nadal’s was the quarter-final between Dominic Thiem and Diego Schwartzman. The match lasted for almost five hours. This was the major reason behind the delay in Nadal’s match.

Nadal anticipated that a late start to his match was in the making and was ready for the challenge.

“I saw immediately yesterday when they send me the schedule because there is a chance there is a couple of long matches. That’s what happened,” Nadal said. “Little bit unlucky, of course. For me, I just tried to be patient, accept everything, & be in a positive shape.”

Sinner impresses, Nadal shows his class

The youngster Sinner seemed up to the task of taking on the ‘King of Clay’, as Nadal is referred to by fans. The 19-year-old was two points away from winning the opening set. However, Nadal found a couple of massive forehands at the right time and put Sinner under pressure.

The second set also saw Sinner drawing first blood, but Nadal struck right back. He then broke again, and that was enough for him to take the set. Nadal then comfortably drove the match home in the third set.

The conditions were quite tough to play in as Nadal pointed out, particularly on clay. They also favored Sinner’s game more, but Nadal displayed his game to perfection. This win has now earned him 98 wins out of 100 matches at Roland Garros.