World number 2, Rafael Nadal will make his much-awaited come back to tennis after February. He will be participating in the upcoming Italian Open 2020. The 19-time Grand Slam champion withdrew from US Open 2020 and Cincinnati Masters due to coronavirus pandemic.

Rafael Nadal Practices Before Italian Open 2020

Nadal traveled to Rome on Wednesday. In a recent video, we see him practicing in the clay courts. The champion does not waste any time.

In another video, We see him practicing with 15th ranked player and three-time Grand Slam champion Stan Wawrinka.

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In a video message, Nadal said how much the tournament means to him. The nine time winner said, “The Foro Italico is always a special place for me and even more so this year as it will be my first tournament following a long period without playing.”

Right before the French Open 2020, the Italian Open acts as a practice ground for players. Due to the virus outbreak, Rome will be the second Masters 1000 this year. To prevent the virus, the tournament will not have any live audience. There will be “bubbles” similar to US Open to ensure maximum safety. There will be frequent virus tests for players, coaches, and everyone involved.

Unlike the previous two tournaments, almost all players are participating in the tournament and the French Open 2020. Except for the injured Roger Federer, 19 of the 20 top-ranked male players will arrive in Rome shortly. In the women’s’ division, everyone except number 1 Ashleigh Barty will be playing.

Due to zero ticket sales and fewer merch sales, the prize money is 40% less than last year. Angelo Binaghi, the president of the Italian Tennis Federation said, “The economic damage to our federation is enormous. It certainly would have made more economic sense to cancel the tournament, as many others have done.” 

The Italian Open was originally scheduled for May. However, every tournament of ATP was canceled. The tournament will commence on and from 14th September to 21st September at the Foro Italico, Rome.