Adapting the professional sports played while in the middle of a pandemic was wonderful to witness. But it was an adjustment, and some events worked, while others were canceled.
Specifically, in tennis, the cancellation of Wimbledon in 2020 was paramount. But it had to happen.
Tennis begins this new year, with the hope that all four majors will play with the top players in the world. The Australian Open was pushed back on February 8, and players are already on the spot in mandatory quarantine.
The best tennis players in the world are coming, ready to fight for the first Grand Slam title in 2021. Before the battle begins, they have to do a quarantine for 14 days, do daily COVID-19 tests, at a physical distance and to train and train under strictly controlled COVIDSafe. conditions. pic.twitter.com/XrJDmc9vCi
– #AusOpen (@AustralianOpen) January 15, 2021
For Rafael Nadal, the chance to compete for another title is all he can ask for, given the state of the world. “At least we’re here,” Nadal said in a CNN interview. “People are suffering. We can’t complain; we can only thank Tennis Australia and the Australian community for welcoming us.”
The players protocol is two weeks of self-isolation in their hotel room and passing several COVID-19 tests. This has some players angry, and others are sharing on social media their innovative ways to keep up with tennis.
When life gives you quarantine, make it work.😂💪
Which player practiced the hotel best?#LockDownUnder | #AusOpen pic.twitter.com/EA5YO5rvDO
– Tennis Channel (@TennisChannel) January 19, 2021
“It’s normal to complain in a way,” Nadal said. “But on the other hand, you have to have a slightly broader perspective of what’s going on in the world.”
Nadal has always been cerebral with his actions, and his tennis talent rarely gives up, except for injury. He tied Roger Federer with 20 Grand Slam titles after winning the 13th French Open in October. This Australian Open allows him to eclipse Federer.
In less than two weeks, the game will start and we will see how the performance fairs of the players on the field take place after quarantine conditions. Several well-known players have already dropped out of the tournament, such as Federer, Andy Murray, Kiki Bertens and Madison Keys.
Nadal says he understands that the situation is less than ideal, with limited training time. However, when the players agreed to come to Australia, they knew it would be strict.
“Try to stay positive,” Nadal said of what he is focusing on. “I feel very privileged to continue to do our job.”