Rafael Nadal has been named ambassador for the Saudi Tennis Federation in a move that has caused backlash among tennis fans as the Gulf kingdom continues to attempt to gain a footing into tennis.
The Spaniard who is not currently playing at the 2024 Australian Open due to injury has come under fire for his partnership with the nation who have been accused of 'sportwashing' to improve their reputation after human rights issues in particular. Nadal who is one of the richest sportsmen in history earning $134,659,704 in only prize money over his career so the intrigue is there in terms of why he took the role,.
He will have 'dedicated time in the kingdom every year' to grow the sport as well as developing a new Rafa Nadal Academy. He also recently visited Riyadh for a junior tennis clinic which kind of pre-empted this move.
“Everywhere you look in Saudi Arabia, you can see growth and progress and I’m excited to be part of that,” the 37-year-old Spaniard, winner of 22 Grand Slams, said in a federation press release.
“I continue to play tennis as I love the game. But beyond playing I want to help the sport grow far and wide across the world and in Saudi there is real potential.”
But tennis fans weren't as pleased as Nadal was with the move. “This is incredibly disappointing from Rafa. Inexcusable. If they get Roger too, I’m done,” journalist Neil McMahon tweeted.
"It's grim when even image aware and generally cautious superstars like Rafa fall for Saudi money," another wrote.
It also dominated some questioning alongside chatter about Alexander Zverev's domestic abuse case with Iga Swiatek who has previously shown admiration for Nadal quizzed on the matter. “I didn't know that this is the case. Well, I feel like it's not black & white, everything that's going on, in the sport. It's hard for me to sum up in 1 sentence. There were a lot of rumors about WTA Finals going to Saudi. We're still waiting for the decision. It was always hard for me to say if it's good or not because it's not easy for women in these areas," she said.
"Obviously these countries also want to change & improve politically & sociologically. It's not easy to decide. Also in terms of many events that were held, there were rumors about sportswashing. In my case, because I have nothing to do with Rafa & his decisions, it should be up to the federations & the governing bodies who decide if we're going to play there or not. If there would be some negative backlash, they should take the responsibility. For me it's hard to straightforwardly go one way & say anything. I didn't even know about Rafa's decision. Obviously men's sport is already there in Saudi. I don't know if it's a good decision or not. I'm kind of trying not to be too up front. Sorry (smiling)”
