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Published 19:41 IST, April 3rd 2020

Bill Gates 'warned' Rafael Nadal of coronavirus consequences back in February: Toni Nadal

Microsoft co-founder Bill Gates had warned Spanish Tennis ace Rafael Nadal about the coronavirus situation in China back in February according to Toni Nadal.

Reported by: Sreehari Menon
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The coronavirus pandemic has brought the sporting world to a standstill as a majority of events across the globe have been postponed or cancelled to contain the spread of the virus. The tennis calendar has been massively affected, with the Wimbledon cancelled for the first time since World War II. Incidentally, Mircosoft co-founder Bill Gates had warned Spanish tennis champion Rafael Nadal about coronavirus when the duo met for The Match in South Africa earlier this year.

Also Read: Coronavirus USA: USTA Has No Plans To Cancel US Open 2020 Despite Growing Number Of Cases

Bill Gates had warned Rafael Nadal about the Coronavirus in February

Speaking to Spanish radio station Onda Cero, Rafael Nadal's uncle and former coach Toni Nadal said that Bill Gates had warned his nephew regarding the coronavirus situation in China. Rafael Nadal and Bill Gates had met during The Match in Africa where the duo played a tennis match for charity. Bill Gates partnered Switzerland tennis ace Roger Federer, while Rafael Nadal teamed up with South African comedian and The Daily Show host Trevor Noah. Toni Nadal said that Bill Gates had told the 19-time Grand Slam champion that the coronavirus situation in China was going to get complicated. 

Also Read: Wimbledon Cancelled: Serena Williams, Martina Navratilova, Ex-champions React On Twitter

Toni Nadal hopes to schedule Mallorca Open despite coronavirus pandemic

The Mallorca Open was amongst the many events postponed due to the coronavirus pandemic. Tournament director Toni Nadal hopes to schedule the tournament in 2020. Rafael Nadal's former coach added that he hopes to find new dates for the Mallorca Open and see if it can be done in 2020. The grass tournament was scheduled from June 22-27. 

Also Read: Sania Mirza Net Worth, Salary, Endorsements, ₹1.25 Crore Drive For COVID-19 Relief Funds

Rafael Nadal donation: Spanish tennis star contributes to the fight against Coronavirus

Rafael Nadal has come out to fight against coronavirus by asking other Spanish athletes to help raise €11 million ($11.8 million) in the fight against the coronavirus pandemic. The Rafael Nadal donation comes via his Red Cross fundraising effort, which has made the athlete come forward to help the victims of coronavirus. Nadal's donation comes after long-time rival Roger Federer pledged 1 million CHF ($1.1 million) for the fight against the deadly virus. Nadal has urged fans to stay indoors while has encouraged them to help the cause to fight the COVID-19 crisis.

Also Read: Rafael Nadal Asks Spanish Athletes To Join Hands For $12M Donation To Fight COVID-19

19:41 IST, April 3rd 2020