Carlos Alcaraz hits out at Rafael Nadal critics over multi-million dollar Saudi Arabia deal | JCM1Q1F | 2024-02-13 16:08:01
Wimbledon champion Carlos Alcaraz has defended his hero and fellow Spaniard Rafael Nadal over his multi-million dollar Saudi Arabia deal.
Nadal, a 22-time Grand Slam champion, is set to earn huge money after being announced as a new ambassador for the Saudi Tennis Federation.
The 37-year-old has faced criticism over his choice to group up with them with many calling out the Center Japanese country for 'sportswashing'.
Tennis just isn't the only sport that has been focused by Saudi Arabia who've invested heavily in soccer, golf, boxing and different sports.
'I've heard individuals say they've been criticising him,' world No.2 Alcaraz stated about Nadal.
'Nicely, Rafa has determined to be an ambassador, I personally don't assume it's dangerous, he has signed up as a tennis ambassador.
'It's a rustic that's creating, what better than Rafa getting in there to increase the world of tennis to places the place it was by no means performed earlier than.
'We players try to draw more individuals to observe tennis and there is no higher individual than Rafa to try this.'
Alcaraz is about to compete on the 'Six Kings Slam' occasion in Saudi Arabia alongside Nadal, Novak Djokovic and three other stars in October this yr.
The exhibition sees all six players receive an look payment of £1.2m, with the winner earning round £4.7m.
Former world No.1 Andy Roddick has raised considerations over how brining tennis to Saudi Arabia will influence LGBTQ+ players corresponding to Daria Kasatkina, amid stories that the nation might additionally host the WTA Finals.
'Homosexuality is against the law [in Saudi Arabia] however we now have brazenly homosexual players,' Roddick stated. 'You recognize, Kasatkina got here out last yr.
'If she goes there and performs, are we simply telling her to take every week off of her sexuality? How can we shield our own players?
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'You recognize, their life decisions are seen as felony once they enter this place. How can we shield these mechanisms?
'And may whatever is claimed now be trusted when it's truly in apply?'
WTA world No.1 Iga Swiatek just lately shared her own thoughts on brining tennis to Saudi Arabia, admitting that it is 'not straightforward for ladies in these areas' but in addition acknowledging that the nation 'needs to enhance politically and sociologically'.
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