'Patience': Rafa Nadal weighs in on Australian Open turmoil
Rafa Nadal has called for patience after the 2021 Australian Open campaign was thrown into turmoil after conflicting reports.
Tennis Australia boss Craig Tiley has responded to reports the Australian Open could be delayed until as late as March or April.
‘NOT SURE’: Tennis analyst’s truth bomb for Roger Federer
WOW: Uproar over 'pathetic' act during champion's victory speech
Aussie tennis commentator Brett Phillips revealed on SEN radio on Saturday that the event will almost certainly be delayed due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
But Tiley on Sunday released a statement saying TA was “doing everything we can to finalise the summer of tennis as soon as possible”.
Now Nadal has called for patience and said it is not for him to tell a foreign government on how to govern their borders during the global pandemic.
“I don’t know what’s the situation going to be yet. We need to wait about what the (state) government there in Victoria says,” Nadal said after his loss to Daniil Medvedev at the ATP Finals.
“We can’t do much from ATP position or just wait. We have nobody to say what they feel is better for his country.
“We just need to be patient and accept the situation that we are facing. That is difficult for everyone. We need to be flexible to understand the situation and to find a way to play as many tournaments as possible next year.”
Tiley says Aus Open still in the works
Tiley responded to the reports and released a statement claiming they were working with the government on the best solution.
“Our intention is to deliver a summer in conditions that allow the players to prepare and perform at their best and the fans to enjoy their efforts - all in an environment that is safe for all concerned,” he said.
“We are working closely with the Victorian Government on a plan that takes into account the needs of the players, fans, our partners and staff, and is of major benefit to the Victorian and Australian economies.
“We are continuing our urgent talks with local health authorities regarding quarantining and bio-security requirements and are confident we will have decisions soon.”
Click here to sign up to our newsletter for all the latest and breaking stories from Australia and around the world.