Rafael Nadal quickly had to get used to Roland-Garro s version 2020. Thursday September 25, rain forces, the Mallorcan competed in his first training ... under the new roof of the Central.
In search of a 13th Parisian crown and a 20th Grand Slam title that would make him the equal of Federer, the Spaniard is well aware that his path is more than ever strewn with pitfalls.
And let's face it, he really doesn't like new Paris balls ...
How did you digest your defeat in the quarter-finals in Rome?
RAFAEL NADAL.
The situation is very different from what it was in Rome.
The weather conditions were good in Rome.
Here they are difficult.
It is very cold, it makes things difficult for everyone.
The situation is special.
The conditions are probably the most difficult I have experienced here for a number of reasons.
Different balls, very slow, in my opinion not good for clay.
I think the organization will have to see what it is for the years to come and for the health of the players.
And very heavy, very cold terrain.
I'm less prepared than usual, but I'm here to fight, play as hard as possible, train with the right attitude and give myself chances.
I will try to find the positive vibes.
The King has returned. @ RafaelNadal #RolandGarros pic.twitter.com/8TKVSCeYXT
- Roland-Garros (@rolandgarros) September 24, 2020
How does it feel to have to break out of your routine because of the “bubble”?
It is not much different.
Habits off the court don't have a big impact on what happens on the court.
What has an impact are the conditions on the court.
They are different.
I have already had two good training sessions.
Here, it is 9 degrees in Paris.
It's extreme enough to play in a tournament.
How do you find the right frame of mind?
I stay positive knowing that the conditions are not perfect for me.
They may not be for others.
You also have to accept that I'm going to have to play my best tennis to have a chance.
I will relax knowing that the year is very special.
I'm here to give myself an opportunity to have fun at Roland Garros and, of course, to do my best to achieve the goal.
Time for #RolandGarros title # 13, @RafaelNadal?
⌚️ pic.twitter.com/AJP1NVIPEw
- Roland-Garros (@rolandgarros) September 24, 2020
What do you think of the spectator level reduced to 1000 people?
Nobody likes to play in these conditions.
All we can say is thank the people at the US Open and Roland Garros for doing their best to make the tournament a reality anyway.
It is not easy.
They are losing money.
They managed to organize it.
It's a time when we can stick together and try to get the circuit back on track.
Everyone would like to return to a normal situation, but first we must solve the essential problem of global health.
The only thing we can say is thank you for letting us play tennis.