Rafael Nadal has agreed to become an ambassador for Saudi Arabia’s state tennis federation amid criticism from some fans.
In his new role, the former world No. 1 and 22-time Grand Slam champion will promote tennis in the kingdom and open a Rafa Nadal Academy there.
“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 Nadal, who pulled out of the Australian Open with a muscle injury, said in a statement. “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.
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