Spain's Rafael Nadal wearing a sombrero holds the trophy after winning the Mexican Tennis Open ATP final match against USA's Taylor Fritz during the Mexico ATP Open men's singles tennis final in Acapulco, Guerrero state on Feb 29, 2020. (PEDRO PARDO / AFP)

MADRID - Rafael Nadal does not expect to return to play competitive tennis until 2021 due to the coronavirus pandemic, which has decimated much of this year’s calendar.

“I hope we can return before the end of the year but unfortunately, I don’t think so,” the world number two told Spanish newspaper El Pais on Tuesday.

I hope we can return before the end of the year but unfortunately, I don’t think so

Rafael Nadal

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The pandemic has led to the cancellation of Wimbledon and the postponement of the French Open to September, while the status of the US Open, scheduled to take place as usual in late August, is still unclear.

Nadal, however, said he had practically written off the remainder of the year and was looking to the Australian Open in January 2021 as the next tournament he will play.

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“I would sign up to being ready for 2021,” the Spaniard added.

“I’m more worried about the Australian Open than what occurs at the end of this year. I think 2020 is practically lost. I hope we can start up again next year, I really hope that’s the case.”

Spain's Rafael Nadal returns the ball to USA's Taylor Fritz during their Mexico ATP Open 500 men's final singles tennis match in Acapulco, Guerrero State, Mexico on Feb 29, 2020. (PEDRO PARDO / AFP)