“Very Very Cold to Play”: Rafael Nadal Unhappy Weather Conditions During Night Sessions at French Open 2020
Follow Us
World No.2 Rafael Nadal advanced to a record 13th semifinal at the French Open. Nadal thrashed Italian teenager Jannik Sinner in straight sets in the quarterfinals and converted six of the eight break point opportunities. The Spaniard was playing his 100th match at Roland Garros and improved his win-loss record to an astonishing 98-2.
The defending champion hasn’t lost a set to his semifinal journey and has dropped only 34 games in 15 sets. However, during the post-match conference, Nadal talked about the unfavorable cold weather during his quarterfinal match.
Due to the five matches scheduled at Court Philippe Chatrier before his match, Nadal began his quarterfinal match at 10:30 p.m. on Tuesday and finished past way past midnight the following day. The newly installed artificial lights have allowed night matches for the first time at the French Open.
ADVERTISEMENT
Article continues below this ad
“The problem is the weather. Having 2 days in the middle [between matches] is not a big deal. Of course, is not ideal finish- a match at 1:30 in the morning. But the problem is the weather. Is too cold to play. Honestly, is very, very cold to play tennis, no?” said Nadal.
Rafael Nadal compares tennis players to footballers
ADVERTISEMENT
Article continues below this ad
Nadal acknowledged that footballers also play under similar conditions, but pointed out that they are moving all the time. On the contrary, tennis players have to stop because of delays and during changeovers.
“I know football players plays under these conditions, but is little bit different. They are all the time moving. We stop, we come back, we stop on the changeovers. It is a sport that you are stopped in a lot of moments, no?” added Nadal.
ADVERTISEMENT
Article continues below this ad
Trending
‘RIP’ – Heartbroken Brother of John McEnroe Mourns ESPN Legend’s Tragic Death Who Last Tweeted About Coco Gauff
April 21, 2024 02:43 PM EDT
Serena Williams’ Husband Alexis Ohanian Gushes Over Her Pink Attire as Part of Nike’s Latest Endeavor
April 23, 2024 05:55 PM EDT
Darwin Blanch: How Father’s Relentless Efforts for His Brother Ended up Becoming a Boon for Rafael Nadal’s Opponent
April 24, 2024 06:52 PM EDT
Where Is Venus and Serena Williams’ Father ‘King’ Richard Now? Everything to Know about His Whereabouts
April 25, 2024 11:01 AM EDT
Do Darwin Blanch’s Siblings Play Tennis? Everything to Know About the Young American’s Power-Packed Family
April 25, 2024 01:54 PM EDT
Get instantly notified of the hottest Tennis stories via Google! Click on Follow Us and Tap the Blue Star.
Follow Us
Despite the harsh conditions, Nadal will face Diego Schwartzman in the semifinals of the French Open. Schwartzman had defeated Nadal in the quarterfinals of the Italian Open last month. It will be the duo’s 11th meeting, with Nadal leading the lopsided rivalry 9-1.
Schwartzman ousted the US Open champion, Dominic Thiem, in the quarterfinal in an epic five-set match to advance to his first-ever Roland Garros semifinal. Last year’s runner-up, Thiem, was two points away from victory in the fourth set tie-break, but Schwartzman clawed back and eventually won the fifth set 6-2.