Toni Nadal: 'Rafael Nadal and Novak Djokovic might choose to play only one Major'

After a five-month break due to the coronavirus, the ATP season should restart in August, with tournaments in Washington and Cincinnati ahead of the US Open. If everything goes right with the pandemic, the players will have the opportunity to compete at five Masters 1000 and Major events on two surfaces within seven weeks. It is a challenging task that only a few would endure after such a long break and it will be interesting to see the schedule of the top-10 stars, eager to compete and chase the notable titles again. Toni Nadal had not been on the Tour with his nephew Rafa since the end of 2017, retiring from coaching to run Rafa Nadal Academy in Mallorca. The famous uncle believes his nephew and Novak Djokovic, the world's leading players, might decide to play at only one Major, choosing between the US Open and Roland Garros as it would be hard to compete at all those events, especially with no competitive matches on the Tour since the end of February.

Currently, Rafa and Novak are yet to confirm their participation in New York, waiting for more news about restrictions and on-site measures that would allow the action with so many players and their staff in these troubled times.

Nadal is the defending champion at the US Open, Rome and Roland Garros, conquering all three events in 2019 and seeking at hoping to add at least one Major crown to his tally in the rest of the year, chasing Roger Federer's record of 20. Novak Djokovic had been the player to beat in the opening two months of the season, winning all 18 matches and winning the 17th Major crown at the Australian Open. Novak kicked off the season at the ATP Cup, winning the title for Serbia after beating Rafa in the final, gathering boost and heading all the way in Melbourne to reduce the gap to Federer and Nadal in front of him. Novak's last ATP tournament came in Dubai, beating Stefanos Tsitsipas in the title match to keep a perfect record so far in 2020. 

"I think Rafael can also consider choosing one, just like Novak Djokovic has said. Almost within a month, we have two Grand Slams on different surfaces. With the US Open, Madrid, Rome and Roland Garros in a row, I think that many players will go for one Grand Slam, especially after not playing for five or six months. It can be a problem if you embrace all four tournaments in a row, but it depends on each player," said Toni Nadal.

from Tennis World USA https://ift.tt/2B0pLwJ