Rafael Nadal signs big Saudi deal just days after 'laughable' John McEnroe claim
Rafael Nadal has ignored John McEnroe's fierce criticism to sign a multi-million-pound deal to become a Saudi tennis ambassador.
Nadal, 38, insists he wants to "help the sport grow far and wide across the world" following the controversial move. The Saudis, who have invested significantly in football, golf and boxing during the last few years, want to play a key role in the future of tennis.
The Next Gen ATP Finals were moved from Milan to Jeddah last year and now the Saudis are hoping to host the Billie Jean King Cup and the WTA Finals, despite the country's poor human rights record towards women. McEnroe has called the idea "laughable".
Yet Nadal's decision to become an ambassador for the Saudi Tennis Federation will be a huge boost for the Middle-Eastern country. The 22-time Grand Slam winner is one of the sport's biggest names and appears to be making plans for life after tennis.
Nadal has admitted 2024 will "probably" be his final season on tour, having missed the Australian Open due to injury. The Spaniard's decision to do business with the Saudis will anger many fans, seeing as his on-court earnings stand at more than £105million.
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Nadal's new ambassadorial role was announced on Monday evening. He said: "Everywhere you look in Saudi Arabia, you can see growth and progress and I’m excited to be part of that. 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."
John McEnroe has criticised Saudi Arabia's involvement in tennis (Simon Bruty/Anychance/Getty Images)What's your thoughts on Rafael Nadal's decision to become an ambassador for the Saudi Tennis Federation? Let us know in the comments below!
Amnesty International have accused Saudi Arabia of using sport to clean up its poor reputation, a practice known as "sportswashing". Tennis icons Martina Navratilova and Chris Evert are among those to oppose plans to take the WTA Finals to Saudi Arabia.
Four-time Grand Slam winner Iga Swaitek was asked about Nadal's decision at an Australian Open press conference. She said: "It was always hard for me to say if it's good or not because it's not easy for women in these areas. Obviously these countries also want to change & improve politically & sociologically. It's not easy to decide."
McEnroe, meanwhile, said: "Money talks. 'Oh, no, I wouldn’t do that. How much was I offered? On second thought maybe I will do that'. Personally, I disagree with it completely, with the golf and the tennis. The ladies are going to play the WTA Finals there? Are you kidding me? Because they treat women so well? That part is to me is laughable.
"At the same time, which is also laughable, is the people that can criticise tennis players or golfers for doing something that virtually every business and the government do, which is deal with Saudi Arabia. This idea that tennis players have to set the moral standard, or golfers for that matter, when they’re all making the money, it’s a total joke as far as I’m concerned. We’ll see what happens."
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