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Cape Town - While he would dearly love to compete in the Tokyo Olympics this summer, Rafael Nadal admits he is concerned over the coronavirus outbreak in Japan.
Nadal is expected to represent Spain in both the men's singles and doubles in Tokyo, and has accepted a doubles wild card at upcoming Indian Wells along with Novak Djokovic to aid in his preparation.
However, the coronavirus outbreak has gripped many countries now, Japan included, throwing the viability of the event into question.
"I hope it is controlled, that a remedy is found and this uncertainty is stopped, this psychosis, this fear," Nadal told reporters at the Mexican Open.
"It is the most important thing, not only for the Olympic Games, but for humanity.
"The Olympic Games is one of the most special events in the world.
"It is a unique experience to be there and I consider it the most difficult tournament to win because you only have two or three chances in your career."
International Olympics Committee (IOC) council member Dick pound has said that the Games WILL be cancelled if there are genuine health risks involved.
However, organisers in Tokyo has downplayed those fears... for now at least.
"Our basic thoughts are that we will go ahead with the Olympic and Paralympic Games as scheduled," Committee chief executive Toshiro Muto told the press.
"For the time being, the situation of the coronavirus infection is, admittedly, difficult to predict, but we will take measures such that we’ll have a safe Olympic and Paralympic Games."
- TEAMtalk media
