Rafael Nadal’s choice to serve as an ambassador for the Saudi Tennis Federation was endorsed by Carlos Alcaraz. Following Rafael Nadal’s appointment as ambassador for the Saudi Tennis Federation, Carlos Alcaraz has stated his opinions. The 22-time Major winner is the target of criticism for allegedly participating in “sportswashing” in connection with the arrangement, but Alcaraz thinks Nadal is the greatest candidate. The twenty-year-old has committed to competing in an exhibition event in Saudi Arabia this year, with a potential prize pool of up to £6 million ($7.5 million).
Nadal recently said that he would represent the Saudi Tennis Federation as its new ambassador. As a result, he plans to create a Rafa Nadal Academy branch in the country. Regarding his new position, the 14-time French Open champion stated, “Everywhere you go in Saudi Arabia, you can see growth and progress, and I’m pleased to be part of it.”
Following Rafael Nadal’s appointment as ambassador for the Saudi Tennis Federation, Carlos Alcaraz has stated his opinions. The 22-time Major winner is the target of criticism for allegedly participating in “sportswashing” in connection with the arrangement, but Alcaraz thinks Nadal is the greatest candidate. The twenty-year-old has committed to competing in an exhibition event in Saudi Arabia this year, with a potential prize pool of up to £6 million ($7.5 million).
Nadal recently said that he would represent the Saudi Tennis Federation as its new ambassador. As a result, he plans to create a Rafa Nadal Academy branch in the country. Regarding his new position, the 14-time French Open champion stated, “Everywhere you go in Saudi Arabia, you can see growth and progress, and I’m pleased to be part of it.”
Amnesty International has already accused the Kingdom of “sportswashing”—using sport to improve its standing abroad—so the multimillion-dollar contract has not been without controversy. A number of former professional tennis players, including Chris Evert, Martina Navratilova, and John McEnroe, have publicly criticized rumors that Saudi Arabia may host legitimate tennis competitions.
Alcaraz, however, has defended Nadal’s choice to support tennis advocacy in the country, saying it wasn’t a “poor” one. The world No. 2 stated, “I haven’t heard much criticism; I have heard others mention that they have criticised him.”
“In my opinion, Rafael’s decision to sign on as an ambassador is not too horrible. He has agreed to serve as a tennis ambassador in a nation that is growing and becoming more sports-friendly. Rafa is the ideal person to promote tennis in areas where it may not have been played previously.
The two-time Grand Slam winner also expressed his support for the idea of holding more competitions in Saudi Arabia. “It is beneficial for tennis because there are more venues, and we can play in an increasing number of countries,” he went on.
Saudi Arabia is rapidly changing, both as a nation and in the sports industry. They wager on boxing, football, and, increasingly, a lot of tennis. I have no idea how far they will advance in the tennis community.
