"I am going to try to prevent it from happening": Rafael Nadal wants to stop gay people facing problems in Saudi Arabia by leaving impact in the country
ATPFriday, 16 February 2024 at 02:30
Spanish tennis star Rafael Nadal has stated that he is
hoping to create an environment in Saudia Arabia where gay people will not face
any problems.
The Middle Eastern country, over the years, remained
extremely conservative in their views about same-sex marriages or relationships.
While the leadership is eager to change its image globally
by initiating more efforts in bringing different categories of events into the
country including some high-profile sporting events, there has been no leniency
shown by the authorities about matters related to LGBTQ+ status.
Nadal is one of the most high-profile players to have been approached
by Saudia Arabia to start bringing high-profile tennis activities to the
country.
The 37-year-old is often regarded as one of the greatest players
in the history of men’s singles tennis in the Open era, having won as many as 22
Grand Slam titles.
Nadal has been recently quoted in a report where he
expressed optimism about changing the perception of gays in Saudi Arabia over
the course of the next 10 years.
“In my Academy he won't have problems, in the country I
don't know,” he said. “The problem is that this happens but the reality is that
I am going to try to prevent it from happening.
“Things cannot be changed from today to tomorrow, the
objective is that this is not debated in six, eight or ten years and that I can
contribute to ensuring that it is not talked about in a few years. If it
doesn't happen, I'll be disappointed.”
Azeem Siddiqui is a seasoned sports journalist and data analyst with a strong background in both digital media and live sports production.
He began his journalism career working with partners of The New York Times and has since contributed to several leading international sports publications, including Fox Sports Asia, Calciomercato, and GiveMeSport. Since 2023, Azeem has been part of the TennisUpToDate team, where he has played a key role in sustaining the platform’s growth and ensuring tennis fans receive timely and reliable coverage of the sport’s biggest stories.
In addition to his editorial work, Azeem has extensive experience as a data analyst in live sports broadcasting—particularly in cricket—where he combines analytical precision with creative storytelling. He has collaborated with multiple production companies and cricket boards worldwide, delivering real-time insights and data-driven narratives during live match coverage.
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