“I don’t care that much about criticism if I achieved my goal here”: Rafael Nadal defends Saudi Ambassador role

Rafael Nadal addresses criticism over becoming Saudi Tennis ambassador At the start of 2024, the 22-time Grand Slam champion signed an agreement with the Saudi Tennis Federation, officially becoming its ambassador. Nadal recently attended the Next Gen ATP Finals held in Jeddah.

Saudi Arabia continues its aggressive push into the world of sports. The nation hosts the Spanish, Italian, and Argentine Super Cups, its football league has attracted global stars led by Cristiano Ronaldo, and it has invested in golf, the Dakar Rally, Formula 1, and boxing. It is also set to host the 2034 FIFA World Cup. In tennis, Saudi Arabia’s influence has grown significantly.

The country now hosts the WTA Finals and the Next Gen ATP Finals, with strong rumours of a future Masters 1000 event on the ATP calendar. This year, the historic Six Kings Slam in Saudi Arabia offered the largest prize money in tennis history, surpassing even the Grand Slams, with Nadal participating in the draw.

Read also

"That in some way makes me feel free": Rafael Nadal reveals life plans after retirement from tennis

Many view Saudi Arabia's massive sports investments as "sportwashing." A recent Human Rights Watch report on Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund (PIF) stated that the sovereign wealth fund has "facilitated and benefited from human rights abuses" and that its sportswashing efforts "help whitewash reputational harm," according to a DW report published weeks ago.

Nadal’s agreement with the Saudi Tennis Federation faced criticism, which the former World No. 1 addressed in an interview with The National: “I accept the critics, especially I respect the critics who criticize things while respecting other people. When they don’t respect, it’s a different story,” Nadal said.

Read also

The 2024 tennis season's biggest retirements: Rafael Nadal, Andy Murray, Angelique Kerber and more

“At the end of the day, I know when I make the decision that’s going to be happening. But in some way, I don’t care that much if I really achieve the goal that I want to achieve here. In the end, it’s to improve life and promote sport in this country.”

Looking to the future, Nadal plans to continue his role as a promoter of sports, particularly tennis, in Saudi Arabia. Other players like Matteo Berrettini and Ons Jabeur have also signed agreements with the Saudi federation. The recently retired Spaniard is even considering opening a new branch of the Rafa Nadal Academy in Diriyah, in the north of the country.

Subscribe to our Newsletter

Unlock your ultimate tennis experience—subscribe today for exclusive access to top stories.

Subscribe