Rafael Nadal collected millions for his appearance at the newly created <a href="https://www.archysport.com/2024/02/a-new-exhibition-tournament-in-saudi-arabia-with-novak-djokovic-and-rafael-nadal/" title="A new exhibition tournament in Saudi Arabia with Novak Djokovic and Rafael Nadal”>Six Kings Slam in Saudi Arabia, and the tennis icon also acts as the country’s ambassador after his active career. The Spaniard can certainly understand the accusation of sportswashing, but now explained his perspective on things.
Around 1.4 million euros: That’s how high the signing bonus was for Rafael Nadal and the other five “kings” of tennis who took part in a show tournament in Saudi Arabia last weekend. World number one and winner of the mini-tournament Jannik Sinner even went home with around 5.5 million euros.
Sums that once again bring to light allegations of sportswashing – i.e. the attempt to improve a country’s reputation through sporting events. Saudi Arabia has been trying to polish up its own image in numerous sports for years. Just like in football, Formula 1 or golf, tennis also attracts lots of money.
“I’ll say it very simply: I understand the controversy,” replied the 22-time Grand Slam winner Rafael Nadal to the “AS”. “I respect all opinions, always, as long as mine are respected too.”
Tennis icon Nadal: We are helping the country
Nadal explained: “Are they paying me to come here? Yes. But you can’t lose perspective. What do you believe in when you come here? That you’re doing something good or something bad? Because that’s the only problem at hand By coming here we are really helping the country.”
The 38-year-old is convinced that the large number of tourists who have traveled to Saudi Arabia in recent years are also leading to change, but he does not want to close his eyes to the reality. “Let’s face it, people call it ‘sportwashing’ and of course it plays a role. But the other side is that those who were locked up in this country can now see a very different life thanks to the many events that take place take place throughout the year.”
After the Davis Cup in November, Rafael Nadal will officially end his long and successful tennis career.
