Tennis: Rafael Nadal Speaks Up On Indian Wells Cancellation

The recent cancellation of the Indian Wells Masters highlights the concern for the threat of the coronavirus. The coronavirus has affected the entire world with an estimated 110,000 people infected by the virus.

While the United States reportedly has 500 cases linked to the outbreak as people have taken the necessary precaution against this.

There were offered alternatives for the situation such as playing the games without fans. While it was a possibility, Steve Simon, chief executive of the WTA Tour, shared that it didn’t push through. “We were supportive of the concept,” Simon said per the New York Times. “But ultimately the tournament didn’t feel it was in their best interest."

The tournament is held in the United States and serves as a monumental event for American tennis. The BNP Paribas Open, as it is alternatively called, has been informally labeled as the fifth major in tennis and has been one of the more anticipated events of the season. The sport’s greats have had historic moments for this prestigious tournament including the big three of Roger Federer, Rafael Nadal and Novak Djokovic.

Nadal recently shared what his thoughts are on the development regarding the coronavirus scare. He took to twitter to speak up saying the athletes are still in Indian Wells waiting for the next thing to do. “ So sad for all that is happening around the world with this situation. Hopefully soon solutions from the authorities. Stay all well and safe,” his tweet said.

Nadal is currently second in the world rankings trailing Djokovic. The Indian Wells could have been his chance to claim the top spot if he had won the tournament with the condition that Djokovic fell out of the top four finishers.

Djokovic, on the other hand, was in the position to continue his hot streak for 2020. The world number one player has yet to lose a match for the year and is looking to get into form as the season draws nearer to the French Open.