Spanish tennis legend Rafael Nadal has been appointed as the ambassador for the Saudi Tennis Federation, a significant move by Saudi Arabia to boost its presence in the professional tennis circuit. In a press release, Nadal, who has an impressive record of 22 Grand Slam victories, expressed his excitement to be part of Saudi Arabia’s growth in sports. He stated that he wants to help the sport grow worldwide and sees real potential in Saudi Arabia. Nadal, who has been out of the game since sustaining a hip injury in 2023, was set to participate in the ongoing Australian Open. The announcement comes after a busy year for tennis in Saudi Arabia, including hosting its inaugural ATP Tour event and exhibition matches featuring top players. As part of his role, Nadal will dedicate time each year to the kingdom and plans to develop a new Rafa Nadal Academy. This move aligns with Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman’s Vision 2030 reform agenda, which aims to transform Saudi Arabia into a prominent tourism and business hub while diversifying away from fossil fuels. However, Saudi Arabia’s sports initiatives have faced criticism, with concerns raised about human rights and the environment. The five-year deal to host the Next Gen ATP Finals in Jeddah signals Saudi Arabia’s intent to make tennis a major part of its international calendar, with expectations for more professional tournaments in the future.
Spanish tennis player Rafael Nadal has been appointed as the ambassador for the Saudi Tennis Federation. Nadal, who has won 22 Grand Slam titles, expressed his excitement to be part of Saudi Arabia’s growth in sports. As part of his new role, he will dedicate time each year to the kingdom and plans to develop a new Rafa Nadal Academy. This move by Saudi Arabia is seen as an effort to enhance its presence in the professional tennis circuit. However, the country has faced criticism for its human rights and environmental concerns.
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Rafael Nadal appointed as ambassador for Saudi Tennis Federation.
