A few weeks ago, Rafael Nadal, a 22-time Major winner, assumed a new role as the ambassador for the Saudi Tennis Federation, a move that has sparked questions and discussions. In response, Nadal, with 22 Grand Slam titles to his name, is unapologetic about his decision and emphasizes his commitment to promoting tennis in Saudi Arabia.
Acknowledging the financial aspect of his role, Nadal affirms that the compensation from Saudi Arabia, while substantial, will not significantly impact his life. The focus, according to Nadal, is on driving tennis development in the country and supporting the Saudi Vision 2030 initiative to encourage increased participation in sports, especially among youth.
Nadal’s involvement extends beyond a ceremonial role, as he plans to open a tennis complex in Saudi Arabia. Additionally, he will make yearly visits to oversee the progress and conduct a junior tennis clinic. The tennis complex aims to provide a platform for upcoming stars to hone their skills under the guidance of high-profile coaches, with the goal of transitioning to college tennis or the professional circuit.
Nadal, along with his coaching team from Mallorca, will share their knowledge and inspiration with Saudi teams associated with the Olympic & Paralympic Committees. This collaborative effort seeks to contribute to the overall growth of tennis in the country.
Saudi Arabia has demonstrated a significant commitment to promoting sports among its youth, evident in initiatives like Tennis For All, introducing tennis to 30,000 schoolchildren in 2023. The sport has been integrated into the curriculum of 200 schools, with plans to expand to 400 by the next year. The rise in tennis clubs and registered young players aligns with the development of national tournaments across various age categories.
Beyond tennis, Saudi Arabia has embraced various sporting events, including football, motorsports, equestrian, esports, and golf. The Next Gen ATP Finals in 2023 marked a historic moment as the inaugural professional tennis event in the country, with continued plans for the event to stay in Saudi Arabia in the coming years.
With Nadal’s ambassadorship, there are high expectations for the ongoing evolution of tennis in Saudi Arabia. The country looks forward to hosting the 2024 edition of the WTA Finals and preparing for the Six Kings Slam, showcasing its dedication to becoming a prominent hub for sports on the global stage.
In the face of skepticism, Nadal remains steadfast in his commitment, stating, “Saudi Arabia pays me, but I do not need that money; it will not change my life. I have not signed a super contract like other athletes, and I’m fine with that. I’m committed to promoting tennis in Saudi Arabia, and that’s my goal. I have done it because I am excited about the future.”
