Rafael Nadal believes older players have experience to recover in time after the enforced break. AP
Rafael Nadal believes older players have experience to recover in time after the enforced break. AP
Rafael Nadal believes older players have experience to recover in time after the enforced break. AP
Rafael Nadal believes older players have experience to recover in time after the enforced break. AP

Tennis

Rafael Nadal wants Tour to resume only after all travel restrictions are lifted

Spaniard believes it's time to consider merging the men's and women's governing bodies

Reem Abulleil
Reem Abulleil

June 04, 2020

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Rafael Nadal believes resuming the tennis tour before all travel restrictions are lifted worldwide would be unfair to the players who won’t be able to make it to tournaments.

In a Zoom press conference call with international media on Thursday, the Spaniard was asked if the tennis circuit should restart if there was one country in the world where players still could not travel from.

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“I think we have a worldwide tour. My feeling is we need to be clear, we need to be responsible, we need to be sending strong messages and we need to be a positive example for society,” said Nadal.

“We need to understand that we are suffering unprecedented situations, and my feeling is we need to come back when all the players from all the countries of the world are able to travel under safe circumstances. If not, in my personal opinion, we will come back, yes, and I probably will play, maybe yes, but my feeling will be that we are not being 100 per cent correct and I want to see my sport 100 per cent fair and correct, especially under these circumstances.”

'Situation not ideal'

Tennis is currently suspended until at least July 31. Organisers of the US Open and Roland Garros – the USTA and FFT – are still holding out hope for staging their tournaments later this year but Nadal is skeptical about whether their plans will actually materialise.

“I don’t know if we will be playing tennis again this year or not, that’s something that, today, is not worrying me much, honestly. What really worries me is coming back to normal life, and coming back to a healthy life and a healthy situation for most of the people,” explained the world No 2.

Nadal is the defending champion in both New York and Paris. The USTA are considering all possible scenarios for the US Open, including staging it behind closed doors, with no fans, and potentially limiting players to traveling to the tournament with just one member of their team.

“It’s not the ideal situation. If you ask me today if I want to travel to New York to play a tennis tournament, I will say, ‘No, I will not’. But in a couple of months, I don’t know how the situation is going to improve, hopefully it’s going to improve the right way,” said Nadal about potentially competing in the US Open under these circumstances.

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10 future stars of Roland Garros

Stefanos Tsitsipas. One of the most exciting talents leading the charge for the next generation, Stefanos Tstsipas looks a major champion in waiting. While that breakthrough is perhaps more likely at the hardcourt Grand Slams of Australia and the US, the Greek world No 6 has proved his credentials on the clay, too, winning the Estoril title in 2019 and reaching the Barcelona Open and Madrid Masters finals in 2018 and 2019 respectively. Given his dedication to the sport, 21-year-old Tsitsipas should be right in the mix for years to come. Getty Images
Stefanos Tsitsipas. One of the most exciting talents leading the charge for the next generation, Stefanos Tstsipas looks a major champion in waiting. While that breakthrough is perhaps more likely at the hardcourt Grand Slams of Australia and the US, the Greek world No 6 has proved his credentials on the clay, too, winning the Estoril title in 2019 and reaching the Barcelona Open and Madrid Masters finals in 2018 and 2019 respectively. Given his dedication to the sport, 21-year-old Tsitsipas should be right in the mix for years to come. Getty Images
Alexander Zverev. With all he has achieved so far, it’s hard to believe Alexander Zverev is still only 22-years old. Winner of 11 titles already, including five on clay, Zverev has also experienced his first career dip but looks to be back on course and is nestled in the top 10 at No 7. The German’s Grand Slam record has been held against him, but a semi-final appearance last time out in Melbourne and successive quarter-finals in Paris suggest he is putting that right. When his game is on point, few can hang with him and the French Open is primed for his major breakthrough. AFP
Alexander Zverev. With all he has achieved so far, it’s hard to believe Alexander Zverev is still only 22-years old. Winner of 11 titles already, including five on clay, Zverev has also experienced his first career dip but looks to be back on course and is nestled in the top 10 at No 7. The German’s Grand Slam record has been held against him, but a semi-final appearance last time out in Melbourne and successive quarter-finals in Paris suggest he is putting that right. When his game is on point, few can hang with him and the French Open is primed for his major breakthrough. AFP
Felix Auger-Aliassime. After a stunning emergence during the first half of 2019 that saw him reach three finals, including two on clay, and his first Masters semi-final, Felix Auger-Aliassime went a bit off the boil for the next six months, although he has rebounded with two finals in 2020 before the season was halted. The 19-year-old Canadian, ranked No 17, has not made much headway in the bigger clay court tournaments just yet, but it is surely a matter of time. He is a supreme talent and athlete whose game should suit all surfaces throughout his career. AFP
Felix Auger-Aliassime. After a stunning emergence during the first half of 2019 that saw him reach three finals, including two on clay, and his first Masters semi-final, Felix Auger-Aliassime went a bit off the boil for the next six months, although he has rebounded with two finals in 2020 before the season was halted. The 19-year-old Canadian, ranked No 17, has not made much headway in the bigger clay court tournaments just yet, but it is surely a matter of time. He is a supreme talent and athlete whose game should suit all surfaces throughout his career. AFP
Christian Garin. He looks to be the archetypal South American tennis player. In other words, sublime on the clay but struggles to make the same impact on other surfaces. A winner of four titles already – all on clay, of course – the 23-year-old Chilean has surged up the world rankings since the start of 2019, rising from No 95 to No 17. Does he have the tools to land a major prize? Tough to say, but given his proven credentials on clay, he is one to keep an eye on in the coming years.
Christian Garin. He looks to be the archetypal South American tennis player. In other words, sublime on the clay but struggles to make the same impact on other surfaces. A winner of four titles already – all on clay, of course – the 23-year-old Chilean has surged up the world rankings since the start of 2019, rising from No 95 to No 17. Does he have the tools to land a major prize? Tough to say, but given his proven credentials on clay, he is one to keep an eye on in the coming years.
Jannik Sinner. Entered into the 2019 NextGen Finals as host nation Italy’s wildcard, Sinner stormed his way to the title, despite being the youngest player in the field. The 18-year-old has since earned his first win over a top-10 player when he beat David Goffin in Rotterdam in February. Still very much a raw talent, Sinner has remarkable shot-striking ability and if he can refine his game over the next few years, he is in line to be a future French Open contender. Panoramic
Jannik Sinner. Entered into the 2019 NextGen Finals as host nation Italy’s wildcard, Sinner stormed his way to the title, despite being the youngest player in the field. The 18-year-old has since earned his first win over a top-10 player when he beat David Goffin in Rotterdam in February. Still very much a raw talent, Sinner has remarkable shot-striking ability and if he can refine his game over the next few years, he is in line to be a future French Open contender. Panoramic
Sofia Kenin. She has certainly proved her pedigree on the hard courts, none more so than her march to a maiden Grand Slam title at the Australian Open. The 21-year-old American, ranked No 4, has not made much of a stamp on clay court events, but given her strong all-round game, fine baseline hitting, and impressive endurance, she appears tailor-made for a run at the French Open in the future. AFP
Sofia Kenin. She has certainly proved her pedigree on the hard courts, none more so than her march to a maiden Grand Slam title at the Australian Open. The 21-year-old American, ranked No 4, has not made much of a stamp on clay court events, but given her strong all-round game, fine baseline hitting, and impressive endurance, she appears tailor-made for a run at the French Open in the future. AFP
Marketa Vondrousova. She was one win away from excluding herself from this list having reached the 2019 French Open final. While Ashleigh Barty proved too tall an obstacle, the 20-year-old Czech looks set to be a consistent contender at Roland Garros. She accumulated a 15-3 win-loss record on clay during 2019, reaching a further two finals, in Budapest and Istanbul, although her only career title so far came on the Biel/Bienne hard courts in 2017. Vondrousova, ranked No 18, looks set for a long and successful career and the French Open appears her best shot at landing a major title. Getty
Marketa Vondrousova. She was one win away from excluding herself from this list having reached the 2019 French Open final. While Ashleigh Barty proved too tall an obstacle, the 20-year-old Czech looks set to be a consistent contender at Roland Garros. She accumulated a 15-3 win-loss record on clay during 2019, reaching a further two finals, in Budapest and Istanbul, although her only career title so far came on the Biel/Bienne hard courts in 2017. Vondrousova, ranked No 18, looks set for a long and successful career and the French Open appears her best shot at landing a major title. Getty
Coco Gauff. The most famous 16-year-old tennis player in the world, Coco Gauff made global headlines for her run to the Wimbledon fourth round as a 15-year-old. While still very young, her maturity on and off the court belies her age and she appears on course to be one of the next big stars of the future. How she handles the pressure and expectations will likely define her career. AFP
Coco Gauff. The most famous 16-year-old tennis player in the world, Coco Gauff made global headlines for her run to the Wimbledon fourth round as a 15-year-old. While still very young, her maturity on and off the court belies her age and she appears on course to be one of the next big stars of the future. How she handles the pressure and expectations will likely define her career. AFP
Belinda Bencic. Another of those players who achieved so much so young that it’s hard to believe she is still only 23. Belinda Bencic’s career was almost cut short by long-term injury, but the Swiss has clawed her way back into the top 10 and enjoyed something of a breakthrough 2019, reaching four semi-finals – including her first at a Grand Slam at the US Open – and ending a four-year wait between titles in Dubai. While clay has never been her preferred surface, Bencic’s game is well suited to the red dust and there is a sense that there is another level to her game she can unlock over the next few years. Reuters
Belinda Bencic. Another of those players who achieved so much so young that it’s hard to believe she is still only 23. Belinda Bencic’s career was almost cut short by long-term injury, but the Swiss has clawed her way back into the top 10 and enjoyed something of a breakthrough 2019, reaching four semi-finals – including her first at a Grand Slam at the US Open – and ending a four-year wait between titles in Dubai. While clay has never been her preferred surface, Bencic’s game is well suited to the red dust and there is a sense that there is another level to her game she can unlock over the next few years. Reuters
Amanda Anisimova. She became the youngest player in more than a decade to reach the French Open semi-finals when she defeated defending champion Simona Halep in last year’s quarters. It was by no means a fluke: Anisimova, 18, has proved her talent on clay, winning her first career title on the surface in Colombia last April, having reached three ITF finals in 2017 as a 15-year-old. Injuries have become a minor concern, but she is still young and growing. The world No 28 has all the talent to become a future French Open champion. AFP
Amanda Anisimova. She became the youngest player in more than a decade to reach the French Open semi-finals when she defeated defending champion Simona Halep in last year’s quarters. It was by no means a fluke: Anisimova, 18, has proved her talent on clay, winning her first career title on the surface in Colombia last April, having reached three ITF finals in 2017 as a 15-year-old. Injuries have become a minor concern, but she is still young and growing. The world No 28 has all the talent to become a future French Open champion. AFP

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“And I’m sure that the people who are organising the event, the USTA, want a safe event, the same as the FFT, they want to celebrate the tournament if everybody is safe enough. I am confident that they will make the right decisions in the right moment.”

Back on court

Nadal started practicing again two weeks ago, but only for a couple of times per week, and not exceeding 90 minutes per session. He feels confident he would be ready to compete at a high level whenever the tour resumes, despite the lack of match play, but wants to protec his body in the meantime.

“I need to take things step by step. I am trying to avoid injuries, that’s the main thing today. To avoid injuries I need to practice step by step and increase the amount of work every week,” said the 34-year-old.

“I think the last couple of years I learned how to play good tennis without the need to play a lot of matches. I really think that I understand and found a way to be ready to compete at a very high level without playing a lot of matches before. I played a small amount of tournaments the last couple of years compared to the years before, I think it’s all about making the right preparation.

“I am confident that if I have enough time to prepare myself and to organise a little bit my calendar, I’m going to be competitive from the beginning.”

While some believe the current hiatus spells bad news for the older players, who are losing precious playing time before retiring from the sport, others see it as an advantage that could extend the careers of the 30-somethings club.

“I think the long breaks for the older bodies are tougher than for the younger bodies because it’s more difficult to come back to 100 per cent but at the same time of course we have the experience too,” said Nadal. “So I have the experience of injuries I had the past, so in some way we know how to come back.

“I am passionate about coming back on the tour and keep playing for a couple of years and keep enjoying the things I like the most – enjoying tennis in front of a full stadium with the energy of the crowd. I really hope we’ll be able to come back to this situation and enjoy.”

Lessons learnt

The 19-time Grand Slam champion says his main takeaway from these past few months is not taking things for granted, like being able to spend time with his family and friends.

“Humans have the ability to adapt to situations quick, but at the same we have the ability to forget about the negative things soon when we come back to a normal situation. The only thing that I learned is that we need to try not to complain every single day about stupid things,” said the Mallorcan.

One of the heavily-discussed topics in tennis during the current suspension of the circuit has been the idea of merging the ATP and WTA tours. Billie Jean King, the founder of the WTA, has long been a proponent of having just one governing body for both men's and women's tennis, and her idea has finally received the backing of some of the biggest names in the sport, thanks to a tweet from Roger Federer in April, who suggested it was time the two tours combined.

Nadal, who had been uncertain about his thoughts on a potential merger in the past, endorsed Federer’s post by tweeting: “Hey @rogerfederer. As you know per our discussions I completely agree that it would be great to get out of this world crisis with the union of men's and women's tennis in one only organisation."

Asked about what new information has led him to believe in the merger now, Nadal said: “I don’t have any information about that. It’s just an idea and just a message that Roger left there, and that’s it.

“I support it because I think that working like a single organisation in the perfect world is easier for everything. But that doesn’t mean that we need to play every single event as a combined event.

“The tours can keep working separately but work like in a single organisation. Why not? The feeling is it would be better, and less difficult in terms of organising.”

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Mazen Abukhater, principal and actuary at global consultancy Mercer, Middle East, says the company’s Melbourne Mercer Global Pension Index - which benchmarks 34 pension schemes across the globe to assess their adequacy, sustainability and integrity - included Saudi Arabia for the first time this year to offer a glimpse into the region.

The index highlighted fundamental issues for all 34 countries, such as a rapid ageing population and a low growth / low interest environment putting pressure on expected returns. It also highlighted the increasing popularity around the world of defined contribution schemes.

“Average life expectancy has been increasing by about three years every 10 years. Someone born in 1947 is expected to live until 85 whereas someone born in 2007 is expected to live to 103,” Mr Abukhater told the Mena Pensions Conference.

“Are our systems equipped to handle these kind of life expectancies in the future? If so many people retire at 60, they are going to be in retirement for 43 years – so we need to adapt our retirement age to our changing life expectancy.”

Saudi Arabia came in the middle of Mercer’s ranking with a score of 58.9. The report said the country's index could be raised by improving the minimum level of support for the poorest aged individuals and increasing the labour force participation rate at older ages as life expectancies rise.

Mr Abukhater said the challenges of an ageing population, increased life expectancy and some individuals relying solely on their government for financial support in their retirement years will put the system under strain.

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On Women's Day
SPEC%20SHEET%3A%20SAMSUNG%20GALAXY%20Z%20FLIP%204
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War and the virus
More on Quran memorisation:
Ferrari
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Tomorrow 2021
Plastic tipping point
While you're here
Tearful appearance

Chancellor Rachel Reeves set markets on edge as she appeared visibly distraught in parliament on Wednesday. 

Legislative setbacks for the government have blown a new hole in the budgetary calculations at a time when the deficit is stubbornly large and the economy is struggling to grow. 

She appeared with Keir Starmer on Thursday and the pair embraced, but he had failed to give her his backing as she cried a day earlier.

A spokesman said her upset demeanour was due to a personal matter.

UAE v Gibraltar

What: International friendly

When: 7pm kick off

Where: Rugby Park, Dubai Sports City

Admission: Free

Online: The match will be broadcast live on Dubai Exiles’ Facebook page

UAE squad: Lucas Waddington (Dubai Exiles), Gio Fourie (Exiles), Craig Nutt (Abu Dhabi Harlequins), Phil Brady (Harlequins), Daniel Perry (Dubai Hurricanes), Esekaia Dranibota (Harlequins), Matt Mills (Exiles), Jaen Botes (Exiles), Kristian Stinson (Exiles), Murray Reason (Abu Dhabi Saracens), Dave Knight (Hurricanes), Ross Samson (Jebel Ali Dragons), DuRandt Gerber (Exiles), Saki Naisau (Dragons), Andrew Powell (Hurricanes), Emosi Vacanau (Harlequins), Niko Volavola (Dragons), Matt Richards (Dragons), Luke Stevenson (Harlequins), Josh Ives (Dubai Sports City Eagles), Sean Stevens (Saracens), Thinus Steyn (Exiles)

UAE currency: the story behind the money in your pockets
'Falling%20for%20Christmas'
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INDIA'S%20TOP%20INFLUENCERS
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Major honours

ARSENAL

  • FA Cup - 2005

BARCELONA

  • La Liga - 2013
  • Copa del Rey - 2012
  • Fifa Club World Cup - 2011

CHELSEA

  • Premier League - 2015, 2017
  • FA Cup - 2018
  • League Cup - 2015

SPAIN

  • World Cup - 2010
  • European Championship - 2008, 2012
WITHIN%20SAND
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DMZ facts
  • The DMZ was created as a buffer after the 1950-53 Korean War.
  • It runs 248 kilometers across the Korean Peninsula and is 4km wide.
  • The zone is jointly overseen by the US-led United Nations Command and North Korea.
  • It is littered with an estimated 2 million mines, tank traps, razor wire fences and guard posts.
  • Donald Trump and Kim Jong-Un met at a building in Panmunjom, where an armistice was signed to stop the Korean War.
  • Panmunjom is 52km north of the Korean capital Seoul and 147km south of Pyongyang, North Korea’s capital.
  • Former US president Bill Clinton visited Panmunjom in 1993, while Ronald Reagan visited the DMZ in 1983, George W. Bush in 2002 and Barack Obama visited a nearby military camp in 2012. 
  • Mr Trump planned to visit in November 2017, but heavy fog that prevented his helicopter from landing.
Specs

Engine: Duel electric motors
Power: 659hp
Torque: 1075Nm
On sale: Available for pre-order now
Price: On request

if you go

The flights

Air Astana flies direct from Dubai to Almaty from Dh2,440 per person return, and to Astana (via Almaty) from Dh2,930 return, both including taxes. 

The hotels

Rooms at the Ritz-Carlton Almaty cost from Dh1,944 per night including taxes; and in Astana the new Ritz-Carlton Astana (www.marriott) costs from Dh1,325; alternatively, the new St Regis Astana costs from Dh1,458 per night including taxes. 

When to visit

March-May and September-November

Visas

Citizens of many countries, including the UAE do not need a visa to enter Kazakhstan for up to 30 days. Contact the nearest Kazakhstan embassy or consulate.

UAE currency: the story behind the money in your pockets
On Women's Day
On Women's Day
While you're here
Company%20profile
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Benefits of first-time home buyers' scheme
  • Priority access to new homes from participating developers
  • Discounts on sales price of off-plan units
  • Flexible payment plans from developers
  • Mortgages with better interest rates, faster approval times and reduced fees
  • DLD registration fee can be paid through banks or credit cards at zero interest rates
Kibsons%20Cares
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ELIO

Starring: Yonas Kibreab, Zoe Saldana, Brad Garrett

Directors: Madeline Sharafian, Domee Shi, Adrian Molina

Rating: 4/5

MATCH INFO

Euro 2020 qualifier

Ukraine 2 (Yaremchuk 06', Yarmolenko 27')

Portugal 1 (Ronaldo 72' pen)

About Tenderd

Started: May 2018

Founder: Arjun Mohan

Based: Dubai

Size: 23 employees 

Funding: Raised $5.8m in a seed fund round in December 2018. Backers include Y Combinator, Beco Capital, Venturesouq, Paul Graham, Peter Thiel, Paul Buchheit, Justin Mateen, Matt Mickiewicz, SOMA, Dynamo and Global Founders Capital

RESULT

Manchester United 2 Burnley 2
Man United: Lingard (53', 90' 1)
Burnley: Barnes (3'), Defour (36')

Man of the Match: Jesse Lingard (Manchester United)

Company%C2%A0profile
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Tomorrow 2021
Saudi National Day
While you're here
LA LIGA FIXTURES

Thursday (All UAE kick-off times)

Sevilla v Real Betis (midnight)

Friday

Granada v Real Betis (9.30pm)

Valencia v Levante (midnight)

Saturday

Espanyol v Alaves (4pm)

Celta Vigo v Villarreal (7pm)

Leganes v Real Valladolid (9.30pm)

Mallorca v Barcelona (midnight)

Sunday

Atletic Bilbao v Atletico Madrid (4pm)

Real Madrid v Eibar (9.30pm)

Real Sociedad v Osasuna (midnight)

While you're here
MATCH INFO

Uefa Champions League last 16, first leg

Liverpool v Bayern Munich, midnight, Wednesday, BeIN Sports

Neymar's bio

Total club appearances 411

Total goals scored 241

Appearances for Barca 186

Goals scored for Barca 105

'Munich: The Edge of War'

Director: Christian Schwochow

Starring: George MacKay, Jannis Niewohner, Jeremy Irons

Rating: 3/5

Match info

Karnataka Tuskers 110-3

J Charles 35, M Pretorius 1-19, Z Khan 0-16

Deccan Gladiators 111-5 in 8.3 overs

K Pollard 45*, S Zadran 2-18

U19 World Cup in South Africa

Group A: India, Japan, New Zealand, Sri Lanka

Group B: Australia, England, Nigeria, West Indies

Group C: Bangladesh, Pakistan, Scotland, Zimbabwe

Group D: Afghanistan, Canada, South Africa, UAE

UAE fixtures

Saturday, January 18, v Canada

Wednesday, January 22, v Afghanistan

Saturday, January 25, v South Africa

UAE squad

Aryan Lakra (captain), Vriitya Aravind, Deshan Chethyia, Mohammed Farazuddin, Jonathan Figy, Osama Hassan, Karthik Meiyappan, Rishabh Mukherjee, Ali Naseer, Wasi Shah, Alishan Sharafu, Sanchit Sharma, Kai Smith, Akasha Tahir, Ansh Tandon

The five pillars of Islam
Tennis