Nadal praises Djokovic for coronavirus contribution

andrewhendrie in News 05 Apr 2020
Nadal Djokovic coronavirus
Rafael Nadal and Novak Djokovic (Photo: Sydney Low/CSM/Sipa USA)


Rafael Nadal has praised fierce rival Novak Djokovic after the World No. 1 made a generous pledge to a Spanish campaign in the fight against COVID-19.

Djokovic and his wife Jelena had already donated €1 million towards the coronavirus fight in their native Serbia, and now the 17-time major champion is also supporting a Spanish movement to assist those affected by the deadly virus.

Nadal and NBA player Pau Gasol established the initiative and challenged their fellow Spanish sporting stars to help raise €11 million to help fight COVID-19.

Some of the countries most famous athletes have contributed to the cause, including Andreas Iniesta, Alberto Contador and Fernando Alonso.

Djokovic has added his name to the list and Nadal took to social media to thank his great rival for the support.

“A huge thanks to @djokernole for the contribution to the #nuestramejorvictoria campaign helloing those in need in the fight against Corona Virus. Class act,” Nadal wrote.

At the time of writing, Spain has the second-most coronavirus cases in the world, behind only the United States.

Over 126,000 people have contracted COVID-19 in Spain, with 11,947 deaths.

“The fight is not easy, numbers are not pleasant, but I am convinced that we will manage to make it out of this stronger than before. It is important to remain united in this fight, to help each other, so we can defeat this virus faster and easier,” Djokovic said last week.

Djokovic had compiled a perfect start to 2020 before the coronavirus forced the suspension of the tour.

The Serbian regained the World No. 1 ranking after registering a 18-0 start to the season, winning a record-extending eighth Australian Open title, along with more silverware at the ATP Cup and Dubai.