Saudi bonds to WTA strengthen as Alex Eala meets the Filipino Saudi ambassador to exchange pleasantries

Positive motives for Saudi Arabia as Tennis teen meets up with Filipino-Saudi ambassador.

Saudi bonds to WTA strengthen as Alex Eala meets the Filipino Saudi ambassador to exchange pleasantries

Alex Eala (via X)

Saudi Arabia has been on a huge mission of getting involved in various sports like football, NBA, Golf, and more. Trying to make strides in tennis, the Gulf nation has already hired ambassadors to promote the sport in their country. 

Making further strides in tennis, a WTA player met up with the Filipino-Saudi ambassador. Young tennis pro-Alex Eala from Philippines met up and exchanged pleasantries with the Filipino-Saudi ambassador. This a positive sign from the WTA as a player had a fruitful meeting with the official. Due to the stereotypic reputation of Saudi regarding women, they have not been welcomed well by many women in tennis.

YouTube video

However, the Gulf nation pulled in one of their biggest supporters Ons Jabeur as their sports ambassador, who readily accepted the deal. She then changed brands accordingly and represented it in front of the whole world. The three-time Grand Slam finalist threw her support behind Saudi Arabia being the next location to host the WTA Finals. 

FS Video

On the men’s side, the path has already been carved by active participation from many ATP stars and now with Rafael Nadal as their brand ambassador, there is a huge benefit for the Gulf Nation.

Rafael Nadal and Novak Djokovic feature as the ATP is set to play ‘Kings Slam’ in Saudi Arabia

Saudi Arabia gears up to host another tournament in their rich country. To make more ground in the tennis world, they got Rafael Nadal in their team. Excited to expand the scope of tennis, Nadal signed up as the ambassador for the Gulf nations. 

Novak Djokovic and Rafael Nadal Saudi WTA
Novak Djokovic and Rafael Nadal (via Daily Subah)

For the first time as an ambassador, the Spaniard is set to play the Kings Slam in Saudi Arabia. He will be featured alongside other tennis pros like Novak Djokovic, Carlos Alcaraz, Jannik Sinner, Daniil Medvedev, and more in the exhibition event. 

While the men’s side does not face much backlash, it is only the women’s side that faces a lot of problems with Saudi Arabia. Even tennis legends like Martina Navratilova and Chris Evert provide reasons against playing in the Oil-rich country. Via many press meetings, the legends have made their stand clear and preached accordingly. With the change in the country, women are cooperating but require more help from other players to make WTA a success in Saudi Arabia. 

In Case You Missed It: