Rafah-
Rafael Nadal (1986-), Spanish tennis player
(Rafa Nadal) after becoming
abbr. for Saudi Arabia
The Tennis Federation Ambassador said afterward that tennis in Saudi Arabia has great potential. The Spanish tennis legend, a 22-time Grand Slam champion, will spend time in Saudi Arabia every year to help train children and stimulate their interest in tennis, and also plans to establish a training academy.
In a statement, Nadal said, "Anywhere in Saudi Arabia you can see growth and progress and I'm happy to be part of it. I continue to play tennis because I love the sport, but apart from playing, I want to help the sport grow widely around the world and there is real potential in Saudi Arabia."
Saudi Arabia is actively promoting sports, including not just tennis, but also soccer, Formula 1, boxing and golf, among many other areas. The country has hosted a series of international sporting events that have attracted global attention, but have also sparked some controversy involving issues such as the country's human rights record.
In addition, Saudi Arabia plans to host a number of major tennis events, including the ATP Tour's Next Generation Finals for under-21 players, as well as a number of high-profile exhibition tournaments. The move is aimed at furthering the country's sporting endeavors and integrating it into the international sporting arena.
