US Open: Rafael Nadal follows his heart - who is next or next?
The US Open is expected to rise despite the high number of infections - but more and more stars do not want to participate. New to this club since Tuesday: defending champion Rafael Nadal .
by SID
last edit: Aug 04, 2020, 10:14 pm
The makers of the US Open are unwavering, but the stars are gradually running away - since Tuesday, Rafael Nadal has also had no desire to play tennis in the Corona hotspot. "It's a decision I never wanted to make," the defending champion wrote on Twitter, "but I will follow my heart. I would rather not travel at the moment."
Only the world number one Ashleigh Barty and her Australian compatriot Nick Kyrgios (ATP No. 29) were even faster, but Nadal is still one of the pioneers - and at the latest the cancellation of the Spanish superstar could result in an avalanche. The tournament is to be played in New York from August 31.
Nadal - "Calendar is barbaric"
"The global situation is very complicated, the number of COVID 19 cases is increasing, it looks like we still have no control," the 34-year-old warned on Tuesday. And Nadal also rubs against the tight calendar, which should still allow as many major tournaments as possible after the break. These plans are "barbaric after four months without a game".
It has been observed for weeks that doubts are growing in the industry. Numerous sizes have so far shy away from the final step. In contrast, Barty and Kyrgios made nails with heads. "I waive for the people, for my Aussies, for the hundreds of thousands of Americans who have lost their lives, for all of you," said Kyrgios.
Zverev will travel without a mother
Germany's number one Alexander Zverev is still torn. A cancellation should rather come from the organizers. "Of course we sat down together. My mother will not come, she is older," said the 23-year-old: "I would prefer the US Open not to take place. But if it does take place, what should we players do ? It's also about ranking points. "
However, he has no doubt about the problematic organization. "All players have to get there somehow," said Zverev, "I know, for example, that Russia and Brazil are completely closed. That's the difficult thing."
Restrained tones have recently been heard from Nadal's environment. His uncle and longtime coach Toni Nadal raised doubts as to whether the world number two would defend his two titles at the US Open and also at the French Open in September and October. Above all, the schedule is "unrealistic, especially for experienced players who can't compete for so many weeks in a row."