Some Say Rafa Has Sold Out

By Richard Pagliaro | @Tennis_Now | Wednesday, February 14, 2024

Rafael Nadal understands why some fans now see the king of clay as king of controversy. 

Last month, Nadal was named new ambassador for the Saudi Tennis Federation sparking criticism from some who slammed it as a “sell out” by tennis’ ultimate sportsman.

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In a new interview with host Ana Pastor on Spanish television’s El Objetivo, Nadal said while he understands the backlash, he believes “it’s logical” sports leagues and sports stars are partnering with the Saudis given their resources and investments.

Nadal said if he doesn’t see meaningful change in Saudi Arabia over the next decade “I will say that I have been completely wrong.”

“I don’t think Saudi Arabia needs me to clean up its image,” Nadal told Ana Pastor in comments published by Spanish site AS.com. “It is a country that has opened up to the world, a country with great potential.

“It is logical that the world goes there and the feeling is that everything is bought with money. And now [some say] Rafa has also sold out for money. I do understand it [that people think about it.]”

In his new role, Nadal is “part of a long-term commitment to help the sport grow and inspire a new generation of athletes in Saudi Arabia,” the Federation said in a statement.

حلم يتحقق

مفاجأة خاصة من خلال زيارة رافاييل نادال @RafaelNadal سفير الاتحاد السعودي للتنس أثناء حصة تدريبية

إلهام الجيل القادم لسنوات قادمة. pic.twitter.com/DGJKM1vAJp

— الاتحاد السعودي للتنس (@sauditenfed) January 15, 2024

The Spanish superstar’s decision to partner with Saudi Arabia sparked some intense criticism from some fans who condemn the king of clay for “selling out” accepting the Kingdom’s dollars as part of it’s ongoing efforts at “sports washing” to clean its image. 

Human Dignity Trust, an organization that “uses the law to defend the rights of LGBT people globally,” has condemned Saudi Arabia for “criminalizing same-sex sexual activity between men and between women.”

Asked her reaction to Nadal signing on as ambassador given Saudi Arabia’s history on human rights and charges of sports washing, world No. 1 Iga Swiatek, a devoted Nadal fan, said she’s not quite sure what to make of it.

“There were a lot of rumors about WTA Finals going to Saudi. We’re still waiting for the decision,” Swiatek told the media in Melbourne at last…