Rafael Nadal assures he will ‘condemn’ Saudi Arabia if things don’t get better in ten years

Rafael Nadal admitted that he would condemn Saudi Arabia if various aspects, like their human rights laws, do not improve in the future.

Rafael Nadal assures he will ‘condemn’ Saudi Arabia if things don’t get better in ten years

Rafael Nadal (Image via Imago)

In recent years, Saudi Arabia has been accused of trying to improve its image by investing huge amounts of money in tennis. Also, with an agreement with Rafael Nadal early this year, it is believed that the country is seeking means to overshadow its human rights record.

However, the Spaniard has revealed he will condemn the country if things don’t get better. The Middle Eastern country recently hosted top ATP players, including Nadal, Carlos Alcaraz, and Novak Djokovic, for an exhibition event.

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At the tournament, every player took home $1.5 million for their participation while champion Jannik Sinner bagged $6 million in prize money. The event has since received backlash from some tennis players, including Casper Ruud.

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Ruud revealed that he was not asked to be part of the tournament but has turned down various offers to play in Saudi Arabia. The main issue for several people against the Saudi interest in tennis has been its human rights record.

The country is known for sentencing minors and executing them for a wide range of crimes. Also, women have faced severe discrimination in law and practice. During an interview, Nadal stated that he would condemn the Middle Eastern country if things did not change in ten years.

If in ten years things are still bad or the country closes down, then obviously I will say that I was told something that was not true. If things are still not perfect, but we help them to evolve and for the people who are here to be better in a continuous way, well then.

Rafael Nadal said (via as.com)

Meanwhile, Nadal received a one-of-a-kind golden racket gift following his fourth-place finish at the Six Kings Slam. It is reported that it is made entirely of solid gold, weighs approximately three kilograms, and is valued at around $280,000.

Rafael Nadal believes it is worthwhile to use Saudi Arabia’s earnings in home country development

Rafael Nadal brought great popularity to Spain after winning several titles, including helping the country win the Davis Cup. Besides his great accomplishments on the court, he has also established arguably the biggest tennis academy in the country.

Rafael Nadal
Rafael Nadal (Image via X)

The Rafa Nadal Academy boasts of providing jobs and mentoring younger players to become professionals. Nadal stated that whatever he has earned from the Saudi Arabia ambassadorship and tournaments has been spent in his home country.

And I, of what I earn, when I return to Spain I pay 60% in taxes and that’s it, it’s not like I take the money to another part of the world. I am paid to do a task or a job, but I think that it will really be a job that will be worthwhile.

Rafael Nadal said

Nadal will play his final professional match at the Davis Cup Finals in November. He has won the event five times in his career and is hoping to add to the tally before hanging up his racket.