Rafael Nadal Sends Inspiring Message for Tennis Players in Quarantine at Australian Open 2021

World No. 2 Rafael Nadal is one of the most successful players on the men’s Tour. The manner in which the Spaniard commands the court is commendable. Over the years, Rafa has become one of the greatest assets of the game. There are many youngsters that seek inspiration and idolize him. 

At the moment, Rafael Nadal is in Adelaide in Australia. He will be headlining the ‘A Day at the Drive’ exhibition event along with other players like Novak Djokovic, Serena Williams, and Naomi Osaka. As the players arrived in Australia, they had to follow protocols and had to quarantine themselves for a 14-day period. 

Rafael Nadal: “It’s been a tough situation for 72 players”

There have been a number of players who have faced difficulties in dealing with the situation. The Spaniard spoke on this issue and sent a cheerful message to his colleagues. He stated, “Well, it’s been a tough situation for 72 players plus their teams and coaches. It’s not the ideal situation. I feel very sorry for all of them. But when we came here, we knew the measures were going to be strict.”

Rafa also spoke from the players’ point of view and felt it was normal to complain. He also indicated that to be in a room for 14 days, without getting the chance to go out and practice can be challenging for an individual. 

Nadal: People have lost their mother and father

The Spaniard also laid emphasis on the larger picture and reflected on the effects of the COVID-19 global pandemic in his country. Spain has been one of the worst affected countries during the past year. 

The 13-time French Open champion added, “It’s normal to complain in some way but on the other hand, when you have a wider perspective of what’s going on in the world, you have to think and say I’m not happy to be in my own room for 14 days without having the chance to practice, to go out, to do my normal preparation for the tournament. But on the other hand, you see how many people are dying around the world. You see how many people are losing their father, their mums, without having the chance to say goodbye. That’s what’s happening in my country and close people to me are suffering.”

Coming to tennis, after the event in Adelaide, Rafa will head towards Melbourne. He will represent Spain at the ATP Cup, followed by the first Grand Slam of the new season. 

Also Read: Rafael Nadal Opens Up on His Epic Rivalry With Roger Federer Ahead of Australian Open 2021