Toni Nadal has defended his nephew Rafael Nadal over his controversial move to become an ambassador for the tennis federation of Saudi Arabia.
The legendary tennis coach declared that “we live in an excessively hypocritical world” and argued Nadal taking the role will help Saudi Arabia more than boycotting the country.
The Saudi Tennis Federation (STF) announced in January that Nadal had taken up a position as a tennis ambassador, with the Spaniard saying: “It’s a big opportunity to develop the sport in a country which is investing a lot in sport and encouraging younger generations to get into tennis.”
The tennis great has received criticism for his decision as Saudi Arabia has been accused of trying to improve its image and overshadow its poor human rights record by investing huge money in sport.
The ATP has already signed deals with Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund (PIF), with the Next Gen ATP Finals being held in Jeddah — a Saudi city — until 2027. PIF are reportedly set to buy the ATP ranking system and there is talk further major investments could follow in the coming years.
The WTA is also believed to be in talks with Saudi officials as it has been claimed the Middle Eastern nation could host this year’s WTA Finals.
