Earlier this year Rafael Nadal unexpectedly struck a new deal to become an ambassador for the Saudi Tennis Federation (STF).
The 22-time Grand Slam champion is set to travel to the country multiple times a year and help develop junior tennis. Furthermore, Nadal will also open up an academy in the country in a deal that is set to be worth millions. However, the financial details have not been publicly disclosed.
Nadal’s partnering with Saudi Arabia has prompted criticism from some who accuse the Middle Eastern nation of using sports to improve its image which has been tarnished by wrongdoing. Something that is better known as sportwashing. Saudi Arabia has been criticised for their human rights record, especially concerning women and LGBT+ people.
In a recent interview with Ana Pastor on Spanish television’s El Objetivo, Nadal said it was ‘logical’ for sports to be partnering up with Saudi Arabia considering the resources they have. However, he understands the backlash he has recieved from some and says if no meaningful change occur over the next decade he will admit he has ‘been completely wrong.’
But is there a way that Nadal can please both his supporters and critics? Ubitennis founder Ubaldo Scanagatta has a solution.
