“Money changes everybody attitude,” Former ATP legend Jimmy Connors gives his unfiltered take on Rafael Nadal’s mind-blowing $750 million deal with Saudi

Jimmy Connors has remarked that money is the main motive in Rafael Nadal's decision to sign the contract with Saudi Arabia.

“Money changes everybody attitude,” Former ATP legend Jimmy Connors gives his unfiltered take on Rafael Nadal’s mind-blowing $750 million deal with Saudi

Jimmy Connors and Rafael Nadal (image via Imago/X)

Rafael Nadal recently signed a deal to be the brand ambassador of the Saudi Tennis Federation. The commitment with Saudi Arabia aims at a long-term agreement between the federation and the player. Moreover, it is also for the development and growth of the sport in Saudi Arabia. 

Besides, the Spaniard’s motive for opening an academy in the country is also one of the reasons for his signing this agreement. The deal is estimated at around a whopping $750 million. 

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As expected, after the news of the deal broke out, the tennis world was surprised. There have been numerous speculations regarding the reasons as to why the player signed the contract. Many former and current players have given their take on the same.

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The former American player Jimmy Connors has also remarked about the Spaniard’s decision. In the ‘Advantage Connors’ podcast, Connors stated that money has been the major motive for Nadal to sign the contract.

I mean, didn’t Nadal just sign a contract with Saudi? Yeah, you know, money changes everything. Money changes everybody’s thoughts. Everybody’s attitudes, everybody’s wants, you know. Now you can see it’s in sports, it’s in politics and in government, it’s in everything. So, what a time to be alive.
In the ‘Advantage Connors’ podcast, Connors said

However, in a recent interview with La Sexta, Nadal denied the fact that he signed the contract just for the money. 

You know, to be able to be in a position to, you know, take advantage of that whether that’s your thoughts, whether that’s your beliefs or not, you know, but money changes everything changes the attitudes and the way people think and, you know, their views on things and so forth.
Continuing his train of thoughts, he further added

Rafael Nadal to make a comeback at the Indian Wells 2024

After sustaining an injury at the Brisbane International, the 37-year-old will be making his comeback at the Indian Wells in 2024. 

Former American player Jimmy Connors says that Rafael Nadal signed the contract with Saudi for money in the "Advantage Connors' podcast.
Rafael Nadal (Image via: ATP)

However, before that, he will be facing World No. 2 Carlos Alcaraz in an exhibition match. It is being colloquially called the ‘Netflix Slam’.

Due to his muscle tear at the ATP 250 event in January, the Spaniard missed the Australian Open. However, he has announced that he will be trying hard to make a comeback by March in Las Vegas. 

In his interview with La Sexta, Nadal stated that playing the French Open and the Olympics would be his main aim for the season, which can also be the last professional season on the Tour. 

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