Rafa Nadal appeared at his first virtual press conference at Roland Garros, where he will make his debut on Monday against the Belarusian Gerasimov, somewhat saddened by the conditions in which it seems that the tournament is going to be played this year, which went from spring to autumn due to the coronavirus pandemic. Cold, wind and rain accompany the tennis players during the last days to the chagrin of the current champion and 12-time winner in Paris, who is nevertheless “satisfied” with his first two training sessions. His misgivings and criticism focus on the weather and the new Wilson brand balls that he considers “super heavy”.
How the tournament is presented: “I don't know, it's a strange situation for everyone, completely different from Rome, the conditions there were good, here they are harsh, it's very cold, it's a bit more extreme and difficult for everyone. At nine degrees, to play a tournament outdoor is an extreme situation, with rain, cold, wind. The balls are very different from those of previous years, in Mallorca with heat it was already slow and heavy, but here with the cold it is like a stone. You have to leave everything every day . Trying to overcome obstacles every day and from the reality that things are not going to be perfect. Attitude and enthusiasm. Perhaps it is the tournament in which the conditions in general are the most negative in every way, due to the cold and the ball It is the first time that this brand has made a ball to play at Roland Garros. There are many things to improve and the tournament will review this for the health of the players. I have had two days of good training sessions. “
Djokovic and Nadal's vulnerability: “It's 100% true, he has beaten me many times on gravel, but at the same time I have been very successful. They are the most difficult conditions for me here in my entire career. The balls are very heavy, it is very cold, I come with less preparation than usual, but here I am to fight and do my best. I compete on Monday, so we'll see. I will put passion and be positive to have better vibes every day. “
Moods and routines: “This is the most important event of my entire career. The situation is more difficult than ever. It is a great challenge to play here, I have to maintain the possibility of having opportunities. It does not make much difference to change routines off the track, no they have an impact on what happens inside, yes the conditions that exist, which are different. I have done a couple of good practices, although it is very extreme to play in Paris now, but I must be prepared for Monday. “
The ball: “You have to adapt to the conditions, because you can't train to play with a super heavy ball, slower in itself, but with worse cold and humidity. You need time and the right tennis. And be positive. The conditions are not perfect for Me and neither for others. I need my best version to have opportunities. I have to relax, enjoy and be competitive. Strive to get as high as possible. “
Adaptation and reproach: “I practiced with these balls in Manacor, with heat they were slow. For me it is not the correct ball to play on land. Conditions are going to be worse, I accept the challenge, but the organization has to review this, because the balls can be dangerous for the elbows and shoulders. They should take note. I need to have the best possible feeling, with the right ambition and motivation. “
Positive things: “In Rome I played two good games, the third I did not play well. I do not intend to deceive anyone, the situation is not perfect or ideal, nor did I pretend it to be. From then on I have to build every day to have options for have a good tournament. I wouldn't be here if it weren't to try to take on the challenge of aspiring to the maximum. I have the illusion of competing at another 100% Roland Garros, although the conditions are not the best and neither are the preparation. But I repeat myself every day that this is what it is and although there is a clear difficulty to make a good tournament, I will try to minimize the problems and have a positive attitude and predisposition so that things go well.
What you will miss: “First of all, the weather. Then the joy that we all like, not only in tennis, but in life. Being in another hotel does not affect whether I win or lose a point more or less. That we cannot go out to Dinner, well, even if it is a space that takes us away from the tennis routine, we do not have it this year, because we adapt. What we will miss in the right playing conditions to play on land, and a crowded climate, party and public, which we hope to enjoy again soon “.
Duration of the matches: “I don't think there will be shorter matches, they can be almost longer because it will cost more to score points, it costs the ball to take the effects, which affects my game and we will see it from Monday. My job is to find solutions to the difficulties that this tournament presents. Approach what comes with an appropriate attitude. I am happy with the first two training sessions, there will be more alternatives and we will have to assume them. “
Changes: “One cannot make big changes, but play with what there is, not row against the current. There cannot be drastic changes in my pattern of play. It is what there is, I cannot say that I love the ball if not, but let's play with it. For some it is more favorable than for others. It will have more options in the one with the best ability to adapt, there are days left and we are confident that the weather will improve. Between rains and wind it is a bit extreme.