"Maybe they're seeing something the rest of the earth isn't": Saudi support from Rafael Nadal and Billie Jean King asks questions for Andy Roddick
ATPThursday, 08 February 2024 at 05:00
Former world number one Andy Roddick has expressed surprise
after seeing legendary Spain’s Rafael Nadal and America’s Billie Jean King supporting
Saudi Arabia interest in tennis.
The Middle Eastern country has been heavily investing in
different sports in the recent past to improve its soft image globally. It is
because of this reason they started a football league with the name of Saudi
Pro League where a host of stars from Europe were signed by different clubs
including the likes of five-time Ballon d’Or winner Cristiano Ronaldo.
Saudi Arabia has expressed their intent to invest heavily in
tennis as well, something which was endorsed by the likes of Nadal and Billie
Jean. Roddick was recently quoted in a report where he expressed surprise after
seeing some of the big names in sports endorsing such a move.
"The WTA Finals since they took that stance against
China have been a dumpster fire,” he said. “They put it on at the last minute
in Dallas a couple years ago. They’re doing a disservice to the product that
these women are putting out by being unorganized, maybe unorganized is an
unfair term — but by being reactionary and waiting till the last minute.
"The Finals have been underrepresented on a global
scale for the last couple of years. It’s gone about as badly as it could go as
far as putting together an organized, cohesive event that is a celebration of
the kind of best of the year.
"If, five years from now, Rafa and Billie Jean King all
of a sudden pull this off and things do change, everyone who’s against it has
to eat crow a little bit. We do need to have an open mind towards a result that
is different from what we suspect or anticipate if it does happen," he
said.
"I can’t think
of two more reputable, credible, and talented spokespeople for the game. So
maybe they’re seeing something that you know the rest of the earth isn't, and
maybe they can affect it, but I’m afraid that we won’t know that until it’s too
late, and it’s hard to say that I hope their eyes are wide open.”
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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