The money-no-object Saudi campaign to pry open the door of international sport is celebrating a coup with the signing of Rafael Nadal to a contract to promote tennis in the controversial nation.
Nadal, who withdrew last week from the Australian Open due to yet another hip flexor problem, looks to be serving as a surely well-compensated tennis point man for what many would consider the country’s sportswashing campaign.
Saudi PR minders were quick to trumpet bringing the 22-time Spanish Grand Slam champion on board their effort to gain a deeper foothold in tennis. The oil-rich nation has already made inroads – and thrown sponsor dollars at – into golf, football, motorsports, tennis, equestrian and even e-sports.
Nadal’s role in the grand plan will include appointment as an “ambassador” for the new-found sporting awakening, charged with helping develop interest in tennis among Saudi youth.
He is also expected in the future to open another branch of his tennis academy in the desert kingdom.
Nadal has made an appearance at a kid’s clinic in recent days – possibly on his way home from Australia after quitting the Open before the start.
The icon will also be expected to spend time in the country each year putting in quality time to work on the ground at his new mission.
Demographics in Saudi are reportedly favourable for sporting growth, with 20 million people aged under 30 years old.
“I’m excited to be part of that (sporting growth),” the 37-year-old Nadal said in a statement.
“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.”
Plans have been put forward to grant Saudi a valuable ATP Masters 1000 franchise as well as hold the ATP NextGen Finals for players under 21 in the country.
