Rafael Nadal on Coronavirus: "Hope this fear is stopped"
In the course of his highly successful appearance at the ATP 500 event in Acapulco, Rafael Nadal has commented on a topic that is also currently keeping the tennis world in suspense: the corona virus .
by Michael Rothschädl
last edit: Mar 01, 2020, 07:37 pm
The cancellation of the Bergamo Challenger final and the Xian Open, Japan's Davis Cup appearance in front of empty ranks and a lot of discussions: The corona virus has long since arrived in tennis. Especially because of the enormous travel expenses. operated by the ATP and WTA tour players, the new lung virus poses a real danger to the athletes.
Now the world number two, Rafael Nadal, has commented on the subject: "I hope that it will be checked, that a cure will be found and that this uncertainty, this psychosis, this fear will be stopped. That is the most important thing, not only for them Olympics, but for humanity, " said the Spaniard during the ATP event in Acapulco. With Dick Pound, a member of the International Olympic Committee had previously stated that the Olympic Games would be canceled if world health was at stake.
The head of the committee, Toshiro Muto, looks quite confidently towards the summer: "The basic idea is that the Olympic and Paralympic Games will go as planned. At the moment, the situation of the coronavirus infection is admittedly difficult to predict, but we will take steps to ensure that the Olympic and Paralympic Games can take place safely, "said the 76-year-old Japanese.
Olympia of enormous importance for Rafael Nadal
For Rafael Nadal, the Olympic Games are probably the highlight of this season, the Spaniard will not tire of emphasizing : "It is one of the most special sporting events in the world. It is a unique experience to be there and I think it is the most difficult tournament to be won because you only have two or three chances in your career, "said the 19-time Grand Slam champion during a press conference in Acapulco.
Because of the few chances that a sports career offers Olympic medals, the Mallorcan also plans to start in Tokyo in all three disciplines. In doubles, he will probably compete again with Marc Lopez, with whom he won his second gold medal in 2016 in Rio de Janeiro. In mixed, he could be on the pitch with Garbine Muguruza, who presented herself in a much improved form this year and could also reach the final of the Australian Open. Only the coronavirus of the Spanish medal hunt could put a spanner in the works this summer.