“He sold himself for some oil money” – Rafael Nadal gets brutally SLAMMED for becoming the ambassador of Saudi Tennis Federation

Rafael Nadal sees real potential in Saudi Arabia.

“He sold himself for some oil money” – Rafael Nadal gets brutally SLAMMED for becoming the ambassador of Saudi Tennis Federation

Rafael Nadal signs as brand ambassador for Saudi Tennis Federation (Images via X)

Spanish tennis legend Rafael Nadal on Tuesday announced his association with the Saudi Tennis Federation (STF) as he signed as their brand ambassador. Nadal pledged to promote the sport in the Middle Eastern country and motivate the kids to pick up a racket.

The Spaniard said that he sees STF working for the growth and progress of the sport in the country and hence he has decided to work with the federation to popularize the sport among children.

YouTube video
Growth and progress that’s important to see and the STF is working on that. In a recent visit I saw the interest in both aspects and I want to be part of that role of growing the sport of tennis around the world. The kids are looking to the future and I saw they are passionate about sports… I want to encourage them to pick up a racket and enjoy the benefits of a healthy living.
Rafael Nadal posted on X.

Rafael Nadal faces the heat from the fans over his decision to support STF

While this decision from the tennis legend was welcomed by a few tennis fans, a large section of the fans do not support Nadal in his decision to support Saudi Arabia in their sports washing. A few claimed that the 22-time Grand Slam champion sold himself for ‘some oil money’.

FS Video
Rafael Nadal
Rafael Nadal (Via Imago)

Social media platform X (formerly Twitter) was flooded with posts criticizing Rafael Nadal. Quite a few fans called the move disgraceful. Check out the reactions from the fans below.

https://twitter.com/bishalc004/status/1746975408963371236
https://twitter.com/Komnene/status/1746991382739447924

Notably, Nadal said that he senses the growth of tennis in Saudi Arabia and thus wants to contribute to it. Nadal feels Saudi has the real potential. The 37-year-old has joined hands with STF as part of his aim to promote tennis all across the globe.

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.
Rafael Nadal said. (H/T: STF)

STF claims that sports participation has tripled in the country since 2015 and it is expected to reach 50% soon. It also claims that an estimated 30,000 school children took their first steps in tennis owing to the Tennis for All program which has seen 90 schools introducing tennis in their physical education program. STF aims to roll the program out in 200 schools in 2024 and 400 in 2025.

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