By John Smith • Published: 16 Jan 2024 • 10:55
Rafa Nadal in Saudi Arabia Credit: Saudi Ministry of Sport screenshot
The Saudi Tennis Federation (STF) has unveiled a new collaboration with Spanish tennis star Rafael Nadal.
Just when you think that he has just about done everything, the Mallorcan born tennis star has joined the many professional sports stars in hitching himself to the Saudi bandwagon.
In this partnership, the tennis icon assumes the role of “Ambassador of the Federation,” with a goal to inspire the next generation, promote tennis as a sport in the Kingdom, and contribute to the overall development of sports in the region.
Already heading a tennis academy in Manacor, Mallorca in partnership with Movistar, it is now planned that something similar will be created in Saudi Arabia which will feature state-of-the-art facilities and employ the latest training methods, aiming to cultivate emerging talents in the realm of tennis.
“The academy in Diriyah represents a long-term commitment to tennis and the Kingdom. Serving as a centre of learning, it aims to expedite the journey of talented individuals in tennis, providing players with an ideal environment to learn and enhance their competitive abilities,” Nadal said.
As with other sports personalities either moving to or becoming associated with Saudi Arabia, there has been some international criticism of Nadal’s decision.
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Married to Ophelia in Gibraltar in 1978, John has spent much of his life travelling on security print and minting business and visited every continent except Antarctica. Having retired several years ago, the couple moved to their house in Estepona and John became a regular news writer for the EWN Media Group taking particular interest in Finance, Gibraltar and Costa del Sol Social Scene. Currently he is acting as Editorial Consultant for the paper helping to shape its future development. Share your story with us by emailing newsdesk@euroweeklynews.com, by calling +34 951 38 61 61 or by messaging our Facebook page www.facebook.com/EuroWeeklyNews
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