Rafael Nadal, one of the greatest tennis players of all time, has taken on a new role as the Ambassador for the Saudi Tennis Federation (STF). This partnership, announced on January 15, 2024, aims to inspire the next generation, promote tennis as a sport in Saudi Arabia, and contribute to the overall development of sports in the region.
Nadal’s vision as an ambassador is deeply rooted in his commitment to nurturing young talent and fostering a love for tennis among the youth. The collaboration includes the establishment of the Rafa Nadal Academy in Diriyah, which will feature state-of-the-art facilities and employ the latest training methods to cultivate emerging talents.
In a recent statement, Nadal expressed his excitement about being part of the Kingdom’s transformation and his determination to contribute to the global growth of sports, particularly in Saudi Arabia. He emphasized the widespread growth and progress occurring throughout the Kingdom and acknowledged the abundant real capabilities that support the country’s prosperity.
In an exclusive interview with The National, all-time tennis great Rafael Nadal discusses his vision as an ambassador for the Saudi Tennis Federation to help promote the sport in the region and beyond.@NatSportUAE @ReemAbulleil pic.twitter.com/52xT2NPOfh
— The National (@TheNationalNews) December 26, 2024
STF President Arij Mutabagani highlighted Nadal as an exemplary role model for young individuals, emphasizing his dedication and commitment to training as the values sought to be instilled in future tennis stars. Mutabagani also noted that the Kingdom has emerged as a hub for major international sports events in line with Saudi Vision 2030 and the ongoing social and economic transformation.
Nadal’s involvement in the STF is expected to accelerate the momentum building across the entire tennis ecosystem, from grassroots to professional levels. The academy will serve as a center of excellence, providing players with an ideal environment to learn and enhance their competitive abilities.
Under Vision 2030, sports participation across men and women in Saudi Arabia has rapidly increased, with tennis becoming an increasingly important part of daily life, especially for the Kingdom’s 20 million people aged under 30 years old. Nadal’s vision aligns with this growth, aiming to inspire and support the next generation of tennis players in Saudi Arabia.
In conclusion, Rafael Nadal’s vision as an ambassador for the Saudi Tennis Federation is to inspire, nurture, and promote tennis in the Kingdom, contributing to the overall development of sports and helping to create a brighter future for young athletes.