Nadal calls for patience over Melbourne dates

Rafa Nadal has urged patience over plans for The Australian Open after reports surfaced the grand slam event may be delayed because of COVID-19 quarantine protocols.

The world No.2 did not travel to New York for the US Open in late August, with many observers wondering if he would travel to Melbourne.

“I don’t know what’s the situation going to be yet,” Nadal said. After his ATP Finals defeat to Daniil Medvedev in London.

“We need to wait about what the government there in Victoria says.

“We can’t do much from ATP position or just wait. We have nobody to say what they feel is better for his country.

“We just need to be patient and accept the situation that we are facing. That is difficult for everyone. We need to be flexible to understand the situation and to find a way to play as many tournaments as possible next year.”

Nadal said he hoped with a vaccine on the horizon, tennis could revert to “close to normal soon”.