Tennis: Rafael Nadal named ambassador of the Saudi Federation & will launch an academy in Riyadh

Spanish tennis player Rafael Nadal has been appointed ambassador of the Saudi Tennis Federation (STF) "as part of a long-term commitment to help grow the sport and inspire a new generation of athletes in Saudi Arabia," announced the body on 15/01/2024.

The winner of 22 Grand Slam titles will set up a "Rafa Nadal Academy" in the capital Riyadh, similar to the one already installed in Kuwait (Middle East) since 2020. Rafael Nadal will "spend dedicated time in the Kingdom each year to help nurture and plan the development of boys and girls in the sport as well as grow further interest in tennis amongst the country’s young population," explained the Saudi Tennis Federation, which has 177 affiliated clubs (+146% on 2019) and 2,300 registered players (+46% on 2019).

This collaboration with the player who has 50 million followers on social media is part of Saudi Vision 2030, the government's plan to reduce dependence on oil and diversify the Kingdom's economy. Saudi Arabia is already active in tennis, having been awarded the right by the ATP to host the Next Gen ATP Finals, an annual…