Rafa Nadal had, for the first time, a live on instagram in which he was able to answer numerous questions from his followers and have distinguished guests to share a conversation: Roger Federer, Andy Murray and Marc López also visited the Balearic social network.
Contact with his followers. "I am very happy to be here with all of you. It is the first time that I do something of this type, but in such difficult moments a time of distraction always makes me happy. I am at my house in Porto Cristo (Mallorca). I try to cook and exercise in the morning and in the afternoon, which also distracts you. Not playing, since I have no clue here. "
Message of encouragement . "I want to send encouragement to all the people who have a member infected by the virus and also to so many others who have lost without being able to say goodbye. It is impossible for me to put myself in the shoes of so many who have gone through that. Hopefully we can get out this in the least negative way possible. I also encourage people who are losing their jobs. It will be a tough time for many families. It is time to support each other, be united and look for solutions. We are going to think that we are going to do better. "
Play tennis. "I have no court and the truth is that I miss playing. I continue with the physical routines and luckily they were able to bring me some machines from the gym of the academy. I do not understand very well why we cannot play tennis when many people are going to work and more in our sport, that we have great safety distances with everyone on one side of the track. I understand that it is a critical situation and the Government is overwhelmed by something that is unprecedented. The last thing they think is in sports Many things are not logical, but you have to accept the rules and live with them. "
Solidarity initiative with Pau Gasol. "We are happy in that regard because we have raised a lot of money for the cause. A large number of athletes, Spanish and from the rest of the world, have joined and that is great news. It is time to be all together to try to minimize the impact of this situation.
Plans after the withdrawal (a fan told him 20 years from now) . "In 20 years it will not be, of course. I do not know what I will do. I will continue playing tennis which today is what I want. I am looking forward to returning to the circuit. We are in a difficult time to think about returning We will play tournaments in the short term, but we are confident that when we return everything will work out. Some plans are to travel. I travel a lot now, but to get to know the places. Also the academy. It is part of the present and much more of the future. I will be much more on top at that moment than I can be today.
Academy. "I am taking advantage of being in contact with the guys who are there (85) and the workers (70), all of them confined inside. I am very proud of each one: coaches, physios, psychologists ... in addition to the players who have left without being able to see their families. Having the affection and attention of everyone will surely help them in a period as difficult as this. Among other initiatives, in Palma we give food and hygiene aid to ensure that nothing is missing in this period of difficulty. In Valencia, in another project, we have given school packages from our centers to students who cannot access them online. "
He invites Federer "with difficulties". "It's my first time, it's not easy" between laughs. At this time, the live show went from 22,000 viewers to over 50,000. "
Nadal and Federer, on instagram
Chat with Federer. "We are all good around here, Rafa. Have you not played the racket since Indian Wells? Perfect (in a humorous tone). My knee is improving. It is getting better, without stress, without rushing, I have a lot of time to recover. I'm happy. This is the second operation and it's easier than the first, you know that better than anyone. Federer asked Nadal why he was left-handed if he uses the right on a daily basis. "I can't play with the right, it's a legend" Nadal replied with a laugh, "I can write with my right hand, play basketball, but in tennis and soccer I am left-handed."
Murray was the next to speak to Nadal . "This is brilliant ... he can win 52 Roland Garros but he doesn't know how instagram works," said the Briton before Rafa could add Federer to the conversation. "I am in London, Rafa ." Murray recommended that Rafa enjoy free time by not having children. "I hope to be in your situation not long, Andy," said the Balearic at the possibility of having children.
Marc López was the last to join the conversation. "Here I am Rafa, in my house in Barcelona. You still don't know this one, you are invited when all this happens . " Rafa then tried to connect with the Academy, but the time for the live show ran out. "I will do another one before finishing the quarantine and I will be more agile," he said goodbye.