However, the 19-time grand slam champion is doubtful of returning to the court anytime this year.
“I hope we’re able to return this year, but I don’t think we will,” he told Spanish newspaper El Pais on Tuesday. “Unfortunately, I would sign up to be ready for 2021 — hopefully.
“I’m more concerned about the Australian Open (in January) than about what happens later this year. I see 2020 as practically lost. I have hope to be able to start next year, that’s what I wish.”
Nadal is dedicating some of his free time to helping those in need and has teamed up with Spanish NBA star Pau Gasol and joined ‘Red Cross Responds,’ a project aiming to distribute food and care packages and provide support to more than 1.3 million vulnerable people across the country.
Spain has become one of the European nations most affected by the pandemic, recording more than 219,000 cases and 25,613 deaths.
“We are trying to unite as many people as possible to create something beautiful,” said Nadal. “I am very grateful for everyone’s collaborative effort: athletes, artists, companies, federations, citizens.
“I’m a sentimental person, who is affected by things and seeing so many people suffering so much, so many people who have lost family members without even being able to say goodbye.
“In the end, being able to hug your brother or sister alleviates some of your pain and imagine that they have not even been able to do that. You have to be positive and keep moving forward. There is no other choice.”
Tennis returns … sort of
World No. 143 Yannick Hanfmann defeated Dustin Brown, the tournament’s star name, in straight sets to claim the title in quite unusual circumstances.
The exhibition was held without fans and there were only ever three people on court at a time — the two players and the umpire. The players entered and exited through different doors and sat opposite each other so they never crossed at the net.
Matches were best-of-three sets and sets were shortened to the first to four games, with tiebreaks at three-all and next point wins when games reach deuce.
The tournament was organized to help lower-ranked players earn some income during the pandemic.