In a trend where top athletes heed the call of Saudi Arabia’s petrodollars, icons like Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi have already hopped on the Saudi bandwagon. The latest addition to this lineup is Rafael Nadal, who has recently been appointed as the Ambassador for Saudi Tennis by the Saudi Tennis Federation.

Nada will play a key role in promoting and advancing the sport within the country. Notably, the Saudi Tennis Federation said Nadal will open an academy in Saudi Arabia. This move comes when there is a noticeable absence of Saudi players on the men’s tennis tour.

Speaking of his new role, Nadal said,

Everywhere you look in Saudi Arabia, you can see growth and progress and I’m excited to be part of that. “I continue to play tennis as I love the game. But beyond playing I want to help the sport grow far and wide across the world and in Saudi there is real potential. 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.

In 2023, Saudi Arabia played host to the Next Gen ATP finals. The country also hosted exhibition matches with renowned players such as Carlos Alcaraz, Novak Djokovic, Ons Jabuer, and Aryna Sabalenka.

The buzz surrounding Nadal’s appointment also sparks speculation about Saudi Arabia’s potential investment in the ATP and a desire to take on a more substantial financial role in the world of tennis. As Nadal aligns himself with Saudi Tennis, the collaboration may serve as a precursor to significant developments in the tennis landscape.