The Saudi Tennis Federation (STF) has announced that Rafael Nadal will help promote tennis in the country after being officially appointed as an ambassador.
The former world No.1 is set to also open an academy in Ridyah in what will be a significant milestone for the Middle Eastern Nation and its aim to become a more prominent force in the sport. Last year Saudi Arabia held their first ATP Tournament, the Next Gen Finals. Then during the off-season, they also held a duo of exhibition matches featuring Novak Djokovic against Carlos Alcaraz and Ons Jabeur taking on Aryna Sabalenka.
In a press release issued by the STF, the agreement came about after the 22-time Grand Slam champion made a ‘surprise visit’ to a junior tennis clinic in Riyadh. Under the agreement, each year Nadal will spend time in the country to help ‘nurture and plan the development of boys and girls in the sport.’ To do this a new Rafa Nadal Academy will be built.
“Everywhere you look in Saudi Arabia, you can see growth and progress and I’m excited to be part of that.” Said Nadal.
“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. The kids here today are looking to the future and have a real passion for all sports.’
“If I can help them pick up a racquet or simply get fit and enjoy the benefits of healthy living, then I’ll be happy to have made a difference.”
Nadal, who returned to competitive tennis earlier this month following a hip injury, will likely be scrutinised by some for his decision to promote tennis in a country which has been accused of sportswashing. Known better as the use of sports events to improve a country’s reputation that has been tarnished by wrongdoing. Saudi Arabia has been criticised over their human rights record, including the criminalisation of homosexuality and women’s rights. However, their counterargument is that measures have been taken in recent years to improve the treatment of minorities in the country.
“Rafa embodies all the values we hold dear in a true champion on and off the court. He’s simply the ideal role model for our young boys and girls to look up to. It’s clear Rafa lives the best version of himself every single day. His dedication to training, his commitment to every shot and the way he fights for every point are values we hope to instil in our own future stars. Not just to develop them as players but as people,” STF President Arij Almutabagani commented.
“Rafa transcends the sport of tennis and continues to inspire generations around the world. I’ve no doubt he will have the same impact on Saudi. We feel blessed to call him our ambassador and our young players can’t wait to work with him!”
Coinciding with the announcement, the STF has interestingly highlighted their desire to become a tennis powerhouse. Saying their hosting of the Next Gen Finals is ‘likely to be the first of many professional tournaments held in the country.’ Saudi Arabia says they have 177 tennis clubs in their country which is a 146% increase compared to 2019.
It is not the first time an athlete has been selected to promote their sport in Saudi Arabia. Similar have already occurred in football with the likes of Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi.
Nadal will likely earn millions from his ambassador role but the details of his contract have not been made public. There is also no mention if his new role is a fixed-term position or not.
