Rafael Nadal has been named ambassador for the Saudi Tennis Federation, as the Gulf kingdom aims to host more professional tournaments as part of a broader sports push.
But the Spaniard has come under fire for the partnership with the nation, accused of “sportswashing” by using sport to improve its international reputation after widespread criticism for its human rights and environmental record.
Nadal has earned $US134,659,704 ($A203,202,839) in prize money alone over his career – never mind tens of millions in endorsements plus exhibition appearances – leaving many to question why he would take more money to promote the kingdom.
Watch Australia v West Indies on Kayo Sports. Every Test, ODI and T20I Live with no ad breaks during play. New to Kayo? Start Your Free Trial Today >
“This is incredibly disappointing from Rafa. Inexcusable. If they get Roger too, I’m done,” journalist Neil McMahon tweeted.
Nadal, who has previously said there was a “high percentage” that 2024 would be his farewell to the tour, recently visited a junior tennis clinic in Riyadh. His new role will involve “dedicated time in the kingdom each year” to grow the sport as well as the development of a new Rafa Nadal Academy.
“Everywhere you look in Saudi Arabia, you can see growth and progress and I’m excited to be part of that,” the 37-year-old Spaniard, winner of 22 Grand Slams, said in a federation press release.
“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 announcement comes after a busy 2023 for tennis in Saudi Arabia, which hosted its first ATP Tour event – the Next Gen ATP Finals in Jeddah – and closed out the year with exhibition matches pitting Novak Djokovic against Carlos Alcaraz and Aryna Sabalenka against Ons Jabeur.
The five-year deal to bring the Next Gen ATP Finals to Jeddah “signals the country’s intent to make tennis a major part of its international calendar and is the first of many likely professional tennis tournaments to be held in the country,” the Saudi federation said.
There are reports Saudi Arabia is also keen to purchase high-profile tennis tournaments, such as the Miami Open and Madrid Open – reports that prompted a strong response from seven-time Grand Slam singles champion John McEnroe.
“It wouldn’t shock me,” McEnroe said on ESPN prior to the Australian Open starting.
“Let’s put it this way: money talks. ‘Oh, no, I wouldn’t do that. How much was I offered? On second thought maybe I will do that.’”
Sport is a major component of Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman’s Vision 2030 reform agenda, which aims to transform Saudi Arabia into a tourism and business hub while transitioning the world’s biggest crude oil exporter away from fossil fuels.
Saudi Arabia has lured football stars like Cristiano Ronaldo and Neymar to play in the Saudi Pro League, hosted heavyweight bouts and funded the upstart LIV Golf tour to take on the PGA Tour.
The kingdom has also been named host of the 2034 World Cup.
McEnroe, who’s in Australia to commentate on the Melbourne Park Grand Slam, said he was particularly disturbed by the prospect of moving the WTA Finals to Saudi Arabia.
“Personally, I disagree with it completely, with the golf and the tennis,” McEnroe said.
“The ladies are going to play the WTA Finals there? Are you kidding me?
“Because they treat women so well? That part is to me laughable.”
