Rafael Nadal joins Naomi Osaka in expressing considerations about enjoying at Tokyo Olympics

Rafael Nadal has raised doubts about his participation on this yr’s Tokyo Olympics amid the Covid-19 pandemic, saying that he can’t give a transparent reply till he organizes his schedule for the yr. Tokyo 2020: Rafael Nadal casts doubts over Olympic participation. (Reuters Photo)HIGHLIGHTSNadal has raised doubts about his participation in Tokyo Olympics amid Covid-19 pandemicNadal gained a singles gold in Beijing 2008 and added a doubles title in Rio de Janeiro 2016In a traditional world I’ll by no means take into consideration lacking Olympics: Rafael NadalTwo-time Olympic champion Rafael Nadal on Tuesday admitted that he had not but determined whether or not he’ll take part within the Tokyo Games this summer time, nonetheless giving himself time to determine in accordance with “circumstances”.Japan has prolonged a state of emergency in Tokyo and three different areas till the top of May because the nation battles a surge in Covid-19 instances, elevating new questions on whether or not the rescheduled July 23-Aug. 8 Games ought to go forward.”I don’t know yet. Honestly, I can’t give you a clear answer because I don’t know. I don’t know my calendar,” Nadal advised a information convention on the Rome Masters.”In a normal world I’ll never think about missing Olympics. There’s no doubt about that. Everybody knows how important it has been for me to always play in the Olympics.”Under these circumstances, I do not know. Let’s see what is going on on within the subsequent couple of months. I want to arrange my schedule… In a traditional yr, I do know my schedule nearly 100% from Jan. 1 till the top of the season.”Japan’s top-ranked men’s and women’s players – Kei Nishikori and Naomi Osaka – have raised concerns about staging the Games amid the pandemic.”This yr is a bit completely different, no? We should be versatile. We have to adapt to issues which might be taking place,” Nadal said.The 20-times Grand Slam champion, who was beaten in straight sets by Alexander Zverev in last week’s Madrid Open, opens his Rome Masters campaign against local favourite Jannik Sinner on Wednesday.”… Tomorrow goes to be a troublesome begin, one of many hardest attainable towards Sinner,” Nadal mentioned.Click right here for IndiaToday.in’s full protection of the coronavirus pandemic.