Newsletter: Rafael Nadal’s Stance on Saudi Arabia’s Human Rights Record
Rafael Nadal has made headlines recently with his firm stance regarding Saudi Arabia and its human rights practices. Despite engaging with the country through lucrative tennis events, Nadal has stated he will “condemn” Saudi Arabia if significant improvements are not made within the next decade.
In recent years, Saudi Arabia has garnered attention for its substantial investments in tennis, aiming to enhance its global image. This initiative includes an agreement with Nadal earlier this year, perceived by many as an attempt to divert focus from the nation’s controversial human rights record. The Middle Eastern nation has hosted high-profile ATP events, featuring top players like Nadal, Carlos Alcaraz, and Novak Djokovic, who participated in an exhibition tournament that offered each player a hefty sum of $1.5 million. The event’s winner, Jannik Sinner, received a remarkable $6 million.
However, the tournament has not been without criticism. Notably, Casper Ruud, another prominent player, expressed his reservations about Saudi Arabia’s involvement in tennis, stating that while he wasn’t invited to the event, he has declined several offers to play there due to ethical concerns surrounding the country’s human rights issues.
Saudi Arabia has faced significant scrutiny for its legal practices, including severe penalties for minors and widespread discrimination against women. In response to these serious allegations, Nadal emphasized that if the situation does not improve in ten years, he will have to reassess his involvement and stance on the matter. He expressed that if conditions remain unchanged or deteriorate further, he would clearly state that he had been misled regarding the country’s intentions.
“Should things still be dire in ten years or if Saudi Arabia fails to evolve positively, then I will have to conclude that what I was told was not accurate. However, if there are improvements, even if they are not perfect, and we contribute to the ongoing development of the people there, I would consider that a success,” Nadal commented.
In addition to addressing human rights concerns, Nadal recently received a unique gift—a golden racket—after finishing fourth at the Six Kings Slam. This remarkable item, crafted entirely from solid gold, weighs about three kilograms and is valued at approximately $280,000.
Nadal also highlighted that his financial gains from his ambassadorial role in Saudi Arabia are reinvested in his home country. He has played a significant role in popularizing tennis in Spain, winning numerous titles and contributing to the nation’s victory in the Davis Cup multiple times. His efforts extend beyond the court, as he established the Rafa Nadal Academy, which focuses on nurturing young talent and creating job opportunities in the sport.
“I contribute a significant portion of my earnings back to Spain; I pay 60% in taxes. I am committed to my work and believe in making a positive impact where I can,” Nadal stated, underscoring his dedication to using his success to benefit his homeland.
Looking ahead, Nadal has announced that he will play his final professional match at the upcoming Davis Cup Finals in November. Having won the prestigious tournament five times, he aims to add to his legacy before retiring from competitive tennis. His focus remains not only on his achievements but also on the broader implications of his actions, especially regarding human rights and social responsibility.
