Rafael Nadal is not backing down.
The tennis legend, who inked a lucrative deal to become an ambassador for Saudi tennis, has responded to opponents who have condemned his association with the controversial regime.
“So I accept the critics, especially I respect the critics who criticise things while respecting other people,” Nadal was quoted as telling The National. “When people don’t respect, it’s another story. But, at the end of the day, I know that when I make a decision, [criticism] will occur. But, in other ways, it doesn’t matter if I actually reach the goal that I set for myself here.”
Nadal, who retired from professional tennis in November, remains committed to expanding the sport in Saudi Arabia. He recently traveled to Jeddah to attend the NextGen ATP Finals, where he spoke with young players and expressed his desire to make a lasting effect.
“For me, it’s an opportunity, first of all, to know a different culture. Second, to promote our sport in a region that is really growing in that regard,” he added. “I want to be remembered here as a person that is here to help the new generations to practice and play more and more tennis.”
Despite criticism of Saudi Arabia’s human rights record, Nadal remains unfazed. He is focused on his aim of promoting tennis development in the region, demonstrating his everlasting dedication to the sport and his own distinct brand of disobedience.
