Rafael Nadal says he understands why some had issues with him becoming a Saudi tennis ambassador but insists that his decision was sincere as he has nothing but pure intentions with that partnership.
At the start of the 2024 Australian Open, it was announced that the record 14-time French Open champion inked a deal with the Saudi Tennis Federation.
Since Nadal is widely regarded as one of the greatest players in tennis history, there was no doubt that it was a major acquisition for the Saudis and their aspirations.
And that didn’t sit well with some fans, who slammed the former world No. 1 and argued that he should not have associated himself with a country that doesn’t have the best of reputations.
Nadal: I accept rational criticism but I have the goal to achieve in Saudi Arabia
“So I accept the critics, especially I respect the critics who criticize things while respecting other people. When they don’t respect, it’s a different story,” the former 20-time Grand Slam champion told The National.
“But I really, in some way, at the end of the day, I know when I make the decision that’s going to be happening. But in some way I don’t care that much if I really achieve the goal that I want to achieve here. In the end it’s to improve the life, promoting sport in this country.”
Rafael Nadal© YouTube screenshot
After making this clear, Nadal also shared that he has two goals for this particular partnership – to get to know a different culture and to promote tennis in a way in which it will it grow there and inspire a future generation of tennis players.
In October, the Spaniard, Novak Djokovic, Carlos Alcaraz, Jannik Sinner, Daniil Medvedev and Holger Rune participated at the Six Kings Slam exhibition in Riyadh and all spoke very highly of the event.
Last month, the Saudis also hosted the WTA Finals for the first time and there were no complaints on the players’ side.
Tennis World USA