Rafael Nadal on Monday expressed his frustration that tennis players remain unable to practise due to the coronavirus pandemic, while Roger Federer revealed he was happy with his recovery from knee surgery.
The Spanish
government has extended the country’s state of alarm until May 9, with the
entire population confined to their homes except a small number working in
specific sectors, leaving Nadal perplexed as to why he can’t train.
“It’s true I don’t
understand very well because we cannot play tennis when many people are going
to work and even more so in our sport, where we keep at a large and safe
distance and we play on opposite sides of the court,” world number two Nadal
said during an Instagram Live.
“But I understand
that we are in a very critical situation, that the government is dealing with
something unprecedented and I also understand that the last thing they think of
is who can train and who cannot train.
“I understand the
situation and obviously there are many things that are not logical but you have
to accept the rules.”
Nadal treated
tennis fans to an Instagram Live in which he spoke to both Roger Federer and
Andy Murray about their experiences during lockdown.
The men’s and women’s
tours have been halted due to the virus, while Wimbledon was cancelled last
month for the first time since World War II and Nadal’s favourite Grand Slam
the French Open was pushed back to September 20.
“I am not playing
tennis, I do not have a court at home and I miss it a little,” Nadal said.
“I am sticking to
my physical routines. From the gym of my academy they were able to bring me
some machines when lockdown began so I try to work a little in the morning, a
little in the afternoon.
“It is very
important to have both the head and the body focused and it is what I am trying
to do at all times.”
Federer meanwhile
gave an update on his right knee after the 20-time major winner decided to
undergo surgery in February.
“I’ve been hitting
a bit against a wall, (doing) rehab with the knee,” Federer said.
“It’s OK, I had a
really good first six weeks, then it was a bit slower, now it’s getting better
again but I have plenty of time.
“There is no
stress, no rush. If there is anything positive (about being in lockdown) that’s
the only thing really. I just want the knee to be good, it doesn’t matter when
I return.”