Rafael Nadal’s alleged $750M Saudi deal supported by Stan Wawrinka despite criticism from the likes of Martina Navratilova and Chris Evert

The former World No. 3 came out in support of the King of Clay amid allegations of contributing to Saudi Arabia's attempt at sports washing.

Rafael Nadal’s alleged $750M Saudi deal supported by Stan Wawrinka despite criticism from the likes of Martina Navratilova and Chris Evert

Rafael Nadal and Stan Wawrinka (images via IMAGO)

Former World No. 1 Rafael Nadal has been a target for a large chunk of fans following his deal with Saudi Arabia. The Spaniard is believed to have signed a massive $750 million deal with the country which looks to move into sports.

Saudi Arabia has already attracted soccer stars like Cristiano Ronaldo, Karim Benzema, and Neymar Jr to name a few. The nation has also made big investments in sports like Golf, MMA, e-Sports, F1, and WWE to name a few. They have also bagged the hosting rights for the ATP NextGen Finals.

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They are in talks to move the WTA Finals as well but the move has been opposed by many. Martina Navratilova, Chris Evert, current World No. 1 Iga Swiatek, and rising star Coco Gauff have publicly shown reservations about moving to Saudi given their strict rules on various issues.

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Amid all this, a legend like Nadal agreeing to a deal has not gone down well with many. As per the reports, the 22-time Grand Slam singles title winner will open a new branch of his Academy.

He will also spend a considerable time training the kids and administering the Academy’s functioning. Despite the King of Clay clearing many of the speculations, the Spaniard has faced the heat from fans.

But to his rescue, former rival and three-time Major winner Stan Wawrinka has come. The Swiss star defended the move and has looked at the positives of developing tennis in a new country.

Rafa Nadal is one of the best in history and if he is your ambassador it is good news. He is a great champion and a good person, who has done and does a lot for tennis, such as with his academies. That someone like him works to produce players is a very good thing.
Said Wawrinka speaking with Marca.

Stan Wawrinka’s struggles continue on the Tour

Wawrinka spoke to Marca in Rio where he was participating in the ATP-500 event. The former World No. 3 started his season at the 2024 Australian Open. But the former champ suffered a first-round defeat at the hands of Adrian Mannarino in an epic five-setter.

Stan Wawrinka
Stan Wawrinka (image via IMAGO)

He then moved to the South American leg. He first played at the ATP-250 event in Buenos Aires. After defeating local lad Pedro Cachin in three-sets, he faced Nicolas Jarry. The Chilean survived in three sets as he made his way to the finals. Seeded third, he however lost the finals to Facundo Diaz Acosta.

Wawrinka had a poor outing in Rio as well. Riding high on confidence from his title in Buenos Aires, Acosta beat the former French Open champ 7-5, 6-4 to knock him out. The Swiss Olympian will now play in the Sunshine Double with a 1-3 season record so far.

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