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

Rafael Nadal understands why some followers 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' final sportsman.

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In a brand new interview with host Ana Pastor on Spanish tv's El Objetivo, Nadal stated whereas he understands the backlash, he believes "it's logical" sports leagues and sports stars are partnering with the Saudis given their sources and investments.

Nadal stated if he would not see significant change in Saudi Arabia over the subsequent decade "I will say that I have been completely wrong."

"I don't think Saudi Arabia needs me to clean up its image," Nadal instructed Ana Pastor in feedback printed by Spanish web 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 sensation is that all the pieces is purchased with cash. And now [some say] Rafa has additionally bought out for cash. I do perceive it [that people think about it.]"

In his new role, Nadal is "a part of a long-term dedication to assist the game develop and encourage a brand new technology 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 celebrity's determination to associate with Saudi Arabia sparked some intense criticism from some followers who condemn the king of clay for "selling out" accepting the Kingdom's {dollars} as a part of it is ongoing efforts at "sports washing" to wash its picture. 

Human Dignity Trust, a corporation 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 response to Nadal signing on as ambassador given Saudi Arabia's historical past on human rights and fees of sports washing, world No. 1 Iga Swiatek, a faithful Nadal fan, stated she's not fairly certain 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 instructed the media in Melbourne ultimately month's Australian Open. "It was always hard for me to say if it's good or not because it's not easy for women in these areas. Obviously these countries also want to change and improve politically and sociologically.

"It's not straightforward to determine. Also by way of many occasions that have been held, there have been rumors about sports washing. In my case, as a result of I've nothing to do with Rafa and his choices, it must be as much as the federations and the governing our bodies who determine if we'll play there or not.

"If there would be some negative backlash, they should take the responsibility."

While critics say Nadal put enterprise curiosity above human curiosity, he disagrees.

The former world No. 1 just lately visited Saudi Arabia with plans for a Rafa Nadal Academy within the works for the Kingdom.

The Saudi Tennis Federation stated the nation at the moment hosts 177 tennis golf equipment, which marks a close to 150 p.c enhance in golf equipment in comparison with 2019. 

Growth and progress that’s necessary to see and the STF is engaged on that.In a latest go to I noticed the curiosity in each points and I wish to be a part of that position of rising the game of tennis around the globe.The children wish to the long run and I noticed they're passionate… pic.twitter.com/vF3VaJXazH

— Rafa Nadal (@RafaelNadal) January 15, 2024

Two-time Olympic gold medal champion Nadal believes sport can affect the tradition, create widespread floor and promote development and understanding. Nadal stated he is optimistic we'll see constructive change in Saudi Arabia and if it would not occur, he'll personal this expertise as a significant error in judgment.

"What are some things that need to be improved today? Absolutely," Nadal instructed Ana Pastor. "It is a country that is lagging far behind in many things and has recently opened up.

"If it doesn't obtain the evolution that I consider it has to observe within the subsequent ten years, I'll say that I've been utterly mistaken.

"I think I'm going to have the freedom to be able to work with the values that I think I have to work on and that are right. If that doesn't happen later, I'll tell you, Ana, in the next interview, I made a mistake and I've made a mistake."

Photo credit score: Saudi Tennis Federation

Content Source: www.tennisnow.com