MADRID, Jan. 18 (SportsFinding) –
The Spanish tennis player Rafa Nadal has acknowledged that he went to find out how the situation was at the Australian Open, the first 'Grand Slam' of the season and that starts Monday in Melbourne, regarding smoke and air pollution, a problem of which several athletes have complained, and has assured that the response of the organization “convinced” him.
“I'm just one more player. When the problems started a couple of days ago in the previous one and I heard the players ask questions, all I could do as a player was go to the tournament director's office and ask what was going on, because I've also been training these days, “he told a press conference.
Thus, he explained that the answer he obtained “convinced him”. “In my opinion, I received an answer that convinced me, although that does not mean that it should be the same for everyone. They told me that they have the right specialists analyzing and monitoring the air every four minutes,” he said.
The organization of the Australian Open confirmed Saturday that they have an air pollution measurement system and that if the suspended particle rate of less than 2.5 microns (PM2.5) exceeds 200, the matches will be suspended All in the framework of the wave of fires that is ravaging the oceanic country.
In this regard, the Balearic said it has been informed of the details of the air quality monitor. “If the parameters are more than 200, we do not play, and with less than 200, yes. What they answered me, based on the 'Olympic rule', is that you can continue competing up to 300. When the most important Committee in the sports world, the Olympic Committee, allows people to compete up to 300, and we are 200, I don't think I want to harm the health of competitors. So that answer convinced me. I'm here to play, “he said.
“The only thing that, in my opinion, the tournament can do is listen to specialists, doctors and then make a decision based on what they say. If the doctor says it is not a problem, why don't we go to do? If the doctor says there is a problem, of course it will not be played, “he said.
Asked about his 'secret' to have become number one in the world with 33 years, Nadal said it is only work. “There is no secret. It's just about passion, love for the game and being positive in difficult times,” he said. “It's true that I've been through difficult situations throughout my career. But I was always able, with a positive attitude and with the right people, to find a way to move forward,” he explained.
“For my style of play, as many people say, my career should be a little shorter. But here we are. I am happy for that, and even for me it is a big surprise to be where I am at my age,” continued the Manacor
This Tuesday, Nadal will premiere in the ocean tournament against Bolivian Hugo Dellien. “I am training, I think more or less well. I only have two more days to train. Let's try to move forward with the right intensity and with the right approach. I hope to be ready for Tuesday,” he concluded.