Nadal annoyed by tennis lockdown, Federer pleased with surgery recovery
Rafael Nadal on Monday expressed his frustration that tennis players remain struggling to practise due to the coronavirus pandemic, while Roger Federer revealed he was pleased with his recovery from knee surgery.
The Spanish government has extended the country’s state of alarm until May 9, with the complete population confined to their homes except a tiny number employed in specific sectors, leaving Nadal perplexed as to the reasons he can’t train.
“It’s true I don’t understand perfectly because we cannot play tennis when many people are likely to work and even more so inside our sport, where we keep at a sizable and safe distance and we play on opposite sides of the court,” world number 2 Nadal said during an Instagram Live.
“But I understand that we are in a very critical situation, that the federal government is working with something unprecedented and I also recognize that the last thing they think of is who can train and who cannot train.
“I understand the situation and obviously there are numerous things that aren't logical but you need 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 already been halted as a result of 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 again to September 20.
“I am not playing tennis, I really do not need a court at home and I miss it just a little,” Nadal said.
“I am sticking to my physical routines. From the fitness center of my academy they were able to bring me some machines when lockdown started out so I make an effort to work a little each morning, just a little in the afternoon.
“It is vital to have both head and your body focused and it is what I am trying to accomplish all the time.”
Federer meanwhile gave an update on his right knee after the 20-time major winner made a decision 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 little slower, now it’s getting better again but I've plenty of time.
“There is no stress, no rush. When there is anything positive (about being in lockdown) that’s the only thing really. I simply want the knee to be good, it doesn’t matter when I return.”
