Rafael
Nadal opens up about the Six Kings Slam and tournaments in Saudi Arabia. The
22-time Grand Slam champion participated in the exhibition tournament, which
offered the largest prize money ever for a champion ($6 million for Jannik
Sinner) and another $1.5 million for the rest of the participants.
Expectations
were high for Nadal, given that it was his penultimate appearance as a
professional as he prepares for retirement at the Davis Cup Finals in a few
weeks. The former world No. 1 was defeated by Carlos Alcaraz and Novak
Djokovic, in what could be his last singles matches, as there are doubts about
whether he will play singles or doubles in Malaga.
Nadal supports Saudi tournaments: "By coming here, we’re making a difference"
The Six
Kings Slam was not exempt from criticism for being held in Saudi Arabia, a
country that has been trying to attract the ATP and WTA Tours but has caused
discontent among some in the tennis world due to reported human rights issues
in the Arab nation.
In an
interview with the Spanish newspaper AS, Nadal defended his relationship
with Saudi Arabia, where he is an ambassador for the Saudi Tennis Federation.
He also recently announced the new Rafa Nadal Academy branch in Kuwait. “What
happens is that there comes a certain moment when you can be in one place or
another, based on your opinion. I respect all opinions, as long as mine are
also respected,” Nadal began.
“Do they
pay me to come here? Yes. But we must not lose perspective. You come here and
what do you think? Are you doing good or bad? Because the only problem, in the
end, is that you get paid for it,” he said about his participation in the Six
Kings Slam. “Because, really, by coming here, you help the country. And those
who speak so harshly against the country, fine.
Nadal will play his last event at the Davis Cup finals in Malaga.
“So, what
do you want? For them to continue being bad, to keep the country locked up,
with more inequality? There is only one reality,” he added. “In the end, by
coming here, we create events and attract tourists, something that wasn’t
happening four or five years ago.
“Let’s not
fool ourselves, people call it ‘sportwashing,’ and of course there is an
element of that, but the other part is that thanks to all of this, people who
were trapped in this country and couldn’t see a different world, thanks to all
the tourists coming and all the events happening here throughout the year, they
see another world, other cultures, and they can really progress.
“So, I have
no doubt that people who come here to hold events, from any field, are doing
good for the country,” Nadal stated. “Because things are not perfect, which
they are not, I would have to say otherwise, obviously, they have a long way to
go. Do we let them remain bad, or do we at least help them do some good?
Because in the end, if you did that without getting paid, would we see it as
good?
“Well,
obviously, like many of my colleagues, like most governments in the world, like
most companies, we are fortunate that we get paid to come here, no doubt,
there’s no need to hide that,” added the 14-time French Open champion. “Here,
they are still behind compared to the West. The thing is, our perspective is
different from what they experience. In the end, they live it as they always
have.
“Changes
cannot happen 100% overnight, because society is not prepared for radical
change. No society in history has been. This change has to happen gradually.
“I believe
that everything happening in the country means that this change, instead of
taking 50 or 60 years, will happen much faster. And I believe, in some way,
despite all the criticism, it’s worth it, and I accept the criticism, I respect
it.
“If in ten
years, things are still bad or the country has shut down, then obviously I will
say that I was misled,” Nadal told AS. “Now, the Next Gen Finals are
coming, the women are coming to play the WTA Finals, and they are also earning
significant money, obviously. And as for what I earn, when I return to Spain, I
pay 60% in taxes, and that’s it. It’s not like I’m taking the money to another
part of the world.
Rafa Nadal at the 2024 Olympic Games.
“I get paid
to do a job, but I believe that it will really be a job worth doing. And yes,
I’m in favor, without a doubt, unlike many who think otherwise, of the idea
that just because things aren’t perfect, doesn’t mean all the citizens here
should suffer, that things should get worse.
“That’s the
other side of the argument, but I have a different perspective. If things
aren’t perfect, but we help them improve and continuously make life better for
the people here, then so be it,” he added. “I support tourism in this country,
without a doubt, because in the end, when people come here, they see a
different world that they’ve never seen in their life or in their past.
“This is my
point of view. Afterward, everyone will have their own opinion. As always, I
try to accept criticism as long as it’s within the bounds of respect. When
respect is avoided, I obviously don’t share it.”
Cristhián AvilaTennis Journalist
Cristhián Ávila is a tennis journalist based in Santiago, Chile, and has been part of the TennisUpToDate team since early 2023. He covers the ATP and WTA Tours as well as all four Grand Slams, producing breaking news, match reports, analysis, and regular liveblogs from major tournaments.
His reporting combines statistical analysis with clear explanation, helping readers understand tactical developments, player form, and broader storylines across the tour. Working fluently in both Spanish and English, Cristhián collaborates with an international editorial team and contributes to comprehensive global coverage. As part of his work, he has conducted interviews and media interactions with leading figures in the sport, including Caroline Wozniacki and John McEnroe.
In his journalism, Cristhián places strong emphasis on careful sourcing, editorial accuracy, and updating articles promptly when new, verified information becomes available. His coverage is grounded in research, context, and direct engagement with professional tennis.
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