Rafael Nadal calls on all his fellow tennis friends to remain calm amidst the growing uncertainty about how the 2021 season will start in Australia.
Earlier this week it was confirmed that the Australian Victorian government had rejected a planned arrival of 550 tennis players to the area next month, which could force a postponement of the 2021 Australian Open.
Tennis players are not allowed to arrive in Victoria until January 1, then they must undergo 14 days of quarantine. During that period, they were allowed to train, but did not play tournaments.
The ATP has noticed a new challenge sticking out in the letter they distributed to the tennis players. If the date for the Australian Open is not change, there will be only four days of rest between the end of quarantine and the start of the Grand Slam.
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Asked about the situation, the world number 2 stated that he and other players should only accept the situation with respect for any decisions made by the local government.
“I don’t know what kind of situation will happen. We have to wait about what the Victorian government will say,” said Nadal.
“We can’t do much from the ATP position or just wait and just have to be patient and accept the situations we face. It certainly makes it difficult for everyone. We have to be flexible to understand the situation and find ways to be able to play as many tournaments as possible in the coming season.”
Tennis Australia chairman Craig Tiley has tried to assuage concerns in a statement he released on Sunday (22/11) local time. Providing an update on the current situation, he stated that a plan that takes into account the needs of tennis players, fans, partners and staff is currently being draw up with the Victorian government. Although it is not clear when this will be finalized or how the final decision will be made.
“We are still in discussion with the local health authorities regarding the quarantine process and biological safety, we are also confident that we will make a decision soon,” said Tiley.
“Tennis Australia is fully aware of providing certainty, but we also recognize that we can find common ground with the government to ensure the safety of all communities.”
In the midst of uncertainty, the Spanish national hopes the tennis tournament will return to normal in the future.
“Hopefully with the vaccine, the pandemic will end soon and we can return, at least to near normal in the next few months. But currently the situation is still difficult,” said Rafael Nadal.
