The adaptation of professional sports played in the midst of a pandemic has been wonderful. But it has been an adjustment, and some events worked, while others were called off.
Specifically, when it comes to tennis, the cancellation of Wimbledon in 2020 was crucial. But it had to happen.
Tennis begins this new year in hopes of playing the top four players with the best players in the world. The Australian Open was withdrawn on 8 February and players are already in mandatory quarantine.
The best tennis players in the world arrive, ready to fight for the first Grand Slam title of 2021. Before the battle can begin, they must be quarantined for 14 days, do daily COVID-19 tests, do physical distances and practice and train under strictly controlled COVIDSafe. conditions. pic.twitter.com/XrJDmc9vCi
– #AusOpen (@AustralianOpen) January 15, 2021
For Rafael Nadal, the opportunity 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 an interview with CNN. “The world is suffering. We can’t complain; we can only thank Tennis Australia and the Australian community for welcoming us.”
The players ’protocol consists of two weeks of personal isolation in their hotel room and passing several COVID-19 tests. This has some players going on, and others are sharing on social media their innovative ways to keep up with tennis.
When life gives you a 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 some 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 talent in tennis rarely giving up apart from injuries. He tied Roger Federer with 20 Grand Slam titles after winning his 13th French Open in October. This Australian Open allows him to eclipse Federer.
In less than two weeks, the game will begin and we will see how the performance fairs of the players on the court are done after the quarantine conditions. Several well-known players have already opted not to participate in the tournament, such as Federer, Andy Murray, Kiki Bertens and Madison Keys.
Nadal says he understands the situation is less than ideal with limited internship 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 focuses on. “I feel very privileged to continue doing our job.”