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Rafael Nadal believes the 2020 tennis season is \u201cpractically lost\u201d due to the coronavirus pandemic.<\/p>\nRafael Nadal believes the 2020 tennis season is \u201cpractically lost\u201d due to the coronavirus pandemic.<\/p>\n
The ATP and WTA tours have already been severely affected by the crisis, with the French Open postponed and Wimbledon cancelled while doubts remain over the US Open.<\/p>\n
Officially all professional events are suspended until July 13, but several players have cast doubts over the potential to return any time soon.<\/p>\n
And Nadal has become the highest profile name in the sport to do so, suggesting his attention is now on 2021.<\/p>\n
\u201cI hope we can return before the end of the year but unfortunately, I don\u2019t think so,\u201d Nadal said in Spanish newspaper El Pais.<\/p>\n
\u201cI would sign up to being ready for 2021.<\/p>\n
\u201cI\u2019m more worried about the Australian Open than what occurs at the end of this year. I think 2020 is practically lost.<\/p>\n
\u201cI hope we can start up again next year, I really hope that\u2019s the case.<\/p>\n
\u201cMy feeling and I say it sadly, I won\u2019t lie to you, is that we\u2019re losing a year of our lives.<\/p>\n
\u201cAnd at 33, 34 years old, that is more valuable than at 20 when you have a lot more ahead.\u201d<\/p>\n