“I’ve been given the warmest of welcomes in Saudi Arabia": Rafael Nadal takes charge at the 2025 Next Gen ATP Finals

Rafael Nadal will return to Jeddah next week for the Next Gen ATP Finals 2025, taking on a role that blends mentorship, promotion, and developmental support for one of the sport’s fastest-growing markets. The 14-time Roland Garros champion, already an ambassador for the Saudi Tennis Federation (STF), continues to expand his involvement in Saudi Arabia’s tennis project after a highly engaged visit last year. His presence once again aims to strengthen a long-term commitment to nurturing young players in the region.

The Spaniard will lead training sessions, meet players and fans, and take part in a full slate of development-focused activities surrounding the event. Last season, his Jeddah agenda included a meet-and-greet, prize-giving duties at an under-14 STF tournament, and a clay-court coaching clinic at The Racquet Space for local prospects. Nadal also visited the Onyx Arena to support the Kingdom’s first wheelchair tennis event, as well as attending a roundtable with ATP rising stars Jakub Mensik, Alex Michelsen and eventual champion Joao Fonseca.

This year’s Next Gen ATP Finals field features a competitive mix of emerging names, including returning finalist Learner Tien, alongside Alexander Blockx, Dino Prizmic, Martin Landaluce, Nicolai Budkov Kjaer, Nishesh Basavareddy, Rafael Jodar and Justin Engel. Nadal’s role extends beyond ceremonial duties, reinforcing the importance of connecting established champions with the new generation—something the Spaniard has increasingly prioritized in the final stretch of his career.

In announcing his return, Nadal underlined both personal motivation and his belief in the region’s tennis potential. “Coming back to Jeddah for the Next Gen ATP Finals is something I am looking forward to,” Nadal said in a press reléase according to ATPTour.com. “I’ve been given the warmest of welcomes in Saudi Arabia and I feel there is a real energy for tennis.”

Nadal’s relationship with the STF has deepened since becoming an official ambassador, a couple of years ago, a role that includes supporting grassroots initiatives, advising on high-performance development, and helping expand the sport’s reach across the Kingdom. His hands-on approach impressed local organizers last year, when he dedicated time not only to elite prospects but also to young beginners, recreational players, and athletes from broader national programs.

One of the central messages Nadal delivered during his previous visit was the importance of long-term planning in emerging tennis nations. His viewpoint aligns with the STF’s strategy for growth, which has centered on increasing participation levels, improving facilities, and giving young Saudi talents exposure to international standards through events like the Next Gen Finals.

Nadal emphasized that this mission goes far beyond a symbolic appearance. “As I have been saying, it’s my goal to help inspire the next generation, in Saudi Arabia and around the world. Working together with the STF to develop the huge potential of tennis in the Kingdom that has already made impressive progress is one key element. The reason for me to come back is to see the development at all levels and to help towards that goal. I’m very proud to help more kids pick up a racquet, compete, or simply discover something new that they love.”

With the ATP’s youth showcase returning to the Middle East for its third consecutive edition, Nadal’s presence adds an additional stamp of significance to an event that has already served as a launchpad for players like Carlos Alcaraz, Jannik Sinner, and Joao Fonseca.

The young competitors in Jeddah—ranging from established juniors like Martin Landaluce to breakthrough names such as Jodar and Engel—will have the opportunity to interact with one of the sport’s greatest competitors at close range.

As Saudi Arabia continues its investment in tennis at all levels, Nadal’s repeated visits symbolize a broader cultural shift. The country wants to establish itself as a year-round hub capable not only of hosting marquee events, but also of fostering a new generation of players from within its borders.