"Losing a year of our lives": Nadal eyes 2021 Australian Open instead

Throughout his career, 19-time major champion Rafael Nadal has never been afraid to express how he is feeling or expose his state of mind.

In an Instagram Live with Roger Federer just over two weeks ago, the Spaniard told his longtime rival and friend he hadn’t picked up a tennis racquet since Indian Wells. Last week, Nadal spoke about his desire to simply be able to hug a friend he hasn’t seen in months. And now, the 33-year-old has shared a willingness to give up the rest of 2020 if it means gaining an entire season next year.

"I would sign up right now just to be] ready for 2021," Nadal [told *El Pais* and other Spanish publications. "I'm more concerned with the Australian Open than with what happens later this year. I think 2020 has been practically lost. I'm hopeful of being able to start next year.''

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The FFT announced Tuesday that Roland Garros would shift back a week from the September window they previously claimed in hopes that a restructured calendar is still possible later this year. Nadal would have the opportunity to tie Roger Federer’s record of 20 majors with a 13th French Open crown, but after seeing numerous events he holds close to his heart like Monte Carlo and Wimbledon wiped away for the year, the left-hander is struggling to get past what’s already gone.

"Sadly, I'm not going to lie to you, the feeling is that we are losing a year of our lives,'' Nadal said. "And at 33, 34 years old, that is more valuable than at 20, when you have more time ahead of you."

Nadal did finally hit on a private court Monday with coach Carlos Moya according to *Mundo Deportivo*, though like many based in Spain—including world No. 1 Novak Djokovic—was confused about his country’s rules and regulations in place.

"I was not sure if I can go train at the academy So I preferred to avoid confusion and train at the private court in a friend's house,"