Ferrer: 'We can enjoy Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal for a few more years'

The 2020 season could be compromised. The cancellation of Wimbledon and the postponement of the Tokyo Olympics to 2021 could convince Roger Federer to play at least another year, while his rival and friend Rafael Nadal still hopes to be able to play the French Open in late September.

Former World number 3 David Ferrer told Spanish newspaper Marca: "This break can be good for Rafa and Roger, with this break we hope we can enjoy them for a few more years."

Ferrer's comments were echoed by former world No 4 Todd Martin: "The Laver Cup in Switzerland last year looked at one point in time as a logical farewell,” he told Tennis365. “Then, I think most conventional wisdom went towards 2020 and the Olympics, Roger would call it a day. With the Olympic being postponed, I would imagine it will compel him to play another year.

Plus, this is no way to end anything. It is really important to Roger, I would imagine, to conclude his career on a bona fide high note. Nothing I’ve seen indicates that physically he is incapable of keeping going. Nothing I’ve seen has indicated his love for the sport has waned, so I wouldn’t be surprised if we see several more years out of him.

This is going to be a challenging phase for players to cope with. None of them, except for injury, have had this type of time like this just to chill-out. Health will be high, but there are no repetitions for any of them. Caging that animal (tennis players) will have consequences, but they don’t get to hit any tennis balls and most people will have different ideas on how to train now. How quickly they can come out of this and get back into playing shape and restructure or prepare their game will be really interesting.”

from Tennis World USA https://ift.tt/2Wme1fS