Rome: 19-time Grand Slam champion Rafael Nadal said the absence of tennis during lockdown enforced by the coronavirus pandemic was the "last thing he was worried about" over the past few months.
"It has not been tough because we did not compete for six months. It has been tough because the world has changed dramatically and a lot of people (are) suffering. Yeah, a lot of families lost. And yeah a lot of people facing some economical problems too. So yeah tennis has, during the last few months, has been the last thing that I was worried about. But here I am. I am super happy to be back, honestly. Tennis is an important part of my life and being back at one of the most important tournaments in the world (Italian Open in Rome). And a tournament where I have always had great feelings is special for me. So I am just happy to be back," he said.
Nadal chose not to defend his US Open title in New York this year, given the country has been one of the worst to be affected by COVID-19.
"You know what, it is a decision that, for me, was of course not easy to make. But, in some way, the situation (coronavirus pandemic) drives me to take that decision - the situation personally and the situation in the world, made me take that decision. And when you make decisions, you have to live with it. So I make that decision, right or not right, here I am and I enjoyed (my) time with the family. And I hope to be back in New York next year. And my personal feeling will be similar to be the defending champion (which he would have been in 2020 after he won the 2019 US Open)," he admitted.
Instead, the Spaniard switched his attentions to the delayed clay-court season in Europe and this week's Italian Open in Rome ahead of the French Open at Roland Garros, which begins on 21st September.
When asked about his hopes returning back to playing tennis following a difficult year due to the coronavirus pandemic he said, "Yes, I am happy to be back on the professional tour. Clearly, it (tennis) is an important part of my life, but it is also true that, during these last few months, it has been one of the things I was least worried about. We are going through so much suffering, with so many people who have lost their loved ones or are going through difficult times economically (due to the coronavirus pandemic), therefore tennis cannot be the main concern. But in these last few weeks, I have been focusing on my preparation and I hope I will arrive well prepared (at the Italian Open) in Rome, which is a very important tournament for me."
Nadal will target a third consecutive title in Rome, and 10th overall, but faces a difficult start against US Open semi-finalist and compatriot Pablo Carreno Busta.
The 34-year-old will then aim to draw level with Roger Federer on 20 Grand Slam titles by securing a 13th French Open crown.
