The former coach of world No.2 Rafael Nadal has said there is no right or wrong answer when it comes to taking part in this year’s US Open following the high-profile withdrawal of the Spaniard.
Toni Nadal has jumped to the defence of his nephew and others who have pulled out of New York amid concerns related to the COVID-19 pandemic. Nadal is the only member of the top 10 on the ATP Tour set to miss the event due to these concerns. However, three top 10 players on the WTA Tour have already pulled out.
“The US Open dispute by Djokovic, Tsitsipas or Thiem seems to me as understandable as the resignation of Nadal, Federer or Wawrinka,” Toni wrote in his column for El Pais. “We must understand the apprehension about taking different flights and leaving home when things continue to be so uncertain.”
This year’s US Open is taking place under strict protocols with players being limited to where they can travel in the city and subjected to regular tests for COVID-19. Players have also been asked to sign a waiver which states that they cannot sue the US Open or related parties if they contract the virus whilst there. Even if there is a degree of negligence by the tournament. Those wishing to stay in private accommodation are also expected to pay for 24-hour security to monitor their movement and ensure they are sticking to tournament rules.
Whilst supporting Nadal’s decision not to play the event, uncle Toni has expressed concern that a lack of match play could have a negative effect on his French Open campaign. Nadal last played a tournament back in February at the Acapulco Open in Mexico, which he won. The only top clay-court event set to take place in the build up to Roland Garros will be in Italy after the Madrid Open got cancelled.
“I just hope that, in Rafa’s case, his results at Roland Garros are not compromised by an inactivity of so many months,” Toni commented.
This year, Nadal could achieve a duo of milestones should he win once again in Paris. Victory would place him on level ground with Roger Federer for the most Grand Slam titles ever won by a male player. He would also become the first player, male or female, to have won the same Grand Slam for a 13th time.
Besides his nephew, uncle Toni admits there is one thing he can’t get used to at this year’s US Open which is the loss of a crowd. A decision that was taken due to the risk posed by the pandemic.
“I find it difficult to accept and imagine the presence of the public in the stands. There are many occasions in which I have heard my nephew, like other tennis players, personally address the spectators to thank their support and the important role they have played,” he said.
“In order to lift a trophy. I can assure you that these are not empty words or set phrases. The shouts of the public after a great exchange, the emotion they show in the face of a victory and the disappointment in a defeat: that, to a large extent, it is what gives meaning to this sport and feeds the adrenaline of the tennis player.”
The US Open will get underway on August 31st.
