Nadal, Murray, Stepanek, Raonic Express Their Support For Japan's Recovery

© Hiroshi SatohRafael Nadal wears an 'All for Japan' shirt in Tokyo.

During the Rakuten Japan Open Tennis Championships in Tokyo, Rafael Nadal, Andy Murray, Milos Raonic and Radek Stepanek have spoken about their support for Japan's recovery, after the nation suffered a magnitude 9.0 undersea earthquake and tsunami in March.

"It has been a really hard year for all the Japanese people," said defending champion and World No. 2 Nadal. "For people like me, who was here in the past, can make some sense about what happened. The reason why I am here is that I believe Japan is a fantastic country and a safe country. The people are very, very nice and I always send all my support to the people and the country.

"The tennis family is always ready to help causes around the world. I am sure we will come up with some good ideas in future to help Japan. We compete in Asian late in the tennis season, but for all the players who are here supporting the event and the country, it is fantastic to see."

Former World No. 8 Stepanek, who first visited Tokyo in 1999, said, "After the disaster and earthquake, it is an honour to play in front of the crowd in Japan. I have great respect for the people. I know how many people had to work hard to get back to normal. We had some flooding back in the Czech Republic, but you cannot compare it. But the feelings are the same, losing homes and family members. I have great respect for what Japan has gone through."

Raonic admitted, "My dad is a nuclear engineer and kept following what has been going on. He kept me up-to-date with the news. I know it has been a really tough time, but I am happy people are getting back to their homes. There is still a lot of work to be done. But I wish all the best to the Japanese people and to the country. It is a very respectful and well mannered country. They treat us so well."

World No. 4 Murray said, "I hadn't played here for five or six years, but the people look after us really well here. They put on a nice tournament for the players, there are many of practice courts and the hotel is very close and convenient. I think that is why they get strong fields and hopefully I will be back a few more times."

The Japanese National Police Agency confirmed 15,821 deaths across eighteen prefectures, as well as over 125,000 buildings damaged or destroyed. It was the most powerful known earthquake ever to have hit Japan and the fifth most powerful earthquake overall since 1900.