World No.2 Rafael Nadal has issued a ‘message of thanks’ to emergency workers around the world for their work in tackling the ongoing Covid-19 pandemic.
The 12-time French Open champion has said he has ‘high admiration’ for those working in key sectors such as hospitals and the police force. There have been more than 300,000 cases of the deadly Coronavirus worldwide. Italy has recorded the highest death toll of any country with more than 5500 people losing their lives. As for Nadal’s homeland of Spain, there has been more than 1700 deaths and 28,000 cases.
“I wanted to send a message of thanks to all the doctors, nurses and all the health personnel who are all protecting us, and to the police forces, civil and national guard, the army, and all those who make us feel a little safer, who are in the first line of fire. After all, they are those who are most at risk of catching (the virus) and they are our heroes. I want to express my admiration and thank you all.” Nadal said in a Spanish speaking video uploaded to social media.
The world of sport has come to a halt due to the pandemic. The ATP, WTA and ITF calendars have been suspended until June. Meanwhile, the French Open controversially postponed their tournament until the end of September, which is a week after the US Open. There are also concerns about if Wimbledon will go ahead as planned with a final decision expected to be made in April.
In the midst of the crises, Nadal has stressed that the public can also draw positives. Praising the world for showing a sense of unity at a time like this. A view that was also issued by rival Novak Djokovic in a statement he published on Sunday.
“I want to send encouragement to all the families who are suffering, both the infected, and especially those with relatives or friends who have died from the coronavirus. Send them a message of encouragement. It is difficult to say something in these difficult times, and I can only say in this case that we all feel very sorry, that we trust that at this moment we can go ahead with our lives as soon as possible.” The 32-year-old said.
“There are also positive things in these difficult times. We are demonstrating to be a united people, many companies are being supportive and contributing, and all citizens are showing ourselves united day after day, complying with all the standards that health (departments) advises us: stay at home, follow all the indications to end this terrible pandemic as soon as possible.”
Prior to the suspension of the tour this season, Nadal had won 13 out of 16 matches played. His best run was in Acapulco, where he won the Mexican Open without dropping a set. Nadal was also a runner-up in the ATP Cup and a quarter-finalist at the Australian Open.
Quería compartir con todos vosotros un mensaje de apoyo en estos momentos tan difíciles en todo el mundo. #YoMeQuedoEnCasa #tuttoandràbene #JeResteALaMaison #StayAtHome #WeWillWinTogether #ánimo pic.twitter.com/RuqZRjwp3W
— Rafa Nadal (@RafaelNadal) March 21, 2020
