Tennis: Tennis has been the last thing on my mind - Nadal

19-time Grand Slam champion Rafael Nadal said the absence of tennis during lockdown enforced by the coronavirus pandemic was the "last thing he was worried about" over the past few months. Nadal chose not to defend his US Open title in New York this year, given the country has been one of the worst to be affected by COVID-19. Instead the Spaniard switched his attentions to the delayed clay court season in Europe and this week's Italian Open in Rome ahead of the French Open at Roland Garros, which begins on 21st September. Nadal will target a third consecutive title in Rome, and 10th overall, but faces a difficult start against US Open semi-finalist and compatriot Pablo Carreno Busta. The 34-year-old will then aim to draw level with Roger Federer on 20 Grand Slam titles by securing a 13th French Open crown.