Nadal, Ambassador for Saudi Tennis, Makes the Rounds at Next Gen Finals in Jeddah
The King of Clay returned to Jeddah for the Next Gen Finals, where he plans to help inspire a new generation of Saudi tennis.
Rafael Nadal, Ambassador for the Saudi Tennis Federation, travelled to Jeddah to play a role at this year’s Next Gen Finals.
The iconic Spaniard, a 22-time major champion, spent time with the tournament’s two Spaniards, Martin Landaluce and Rafael Jodar.
Nadal was in attendance for the final, and gave a celebratory handshake to American Learner Tien, who defeated Belgium’s Alexander Blockx in the final.
Nadal took his post as Ambassador early in 2024, and said at the time:
“Everywhere you look in Saudi Arabia, you can see growth and progress and I’m excited to be part of that. I continue to play tennis as I love the game. But beyond playing I want to help the sport grow far and wide across the world and in Saudi there is real potential.”
Nadal, who recently had surgery on his right hand, also gave a talk, as he hosted a tennis clinic which was followed by a meet-and-greet.
Reportedly a Nadal Academy will soon come to Saudi Arabia, but no official launch dates have surfaced.
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