Rafael Nadal, a 22-time champion in Grand Slam tournaments, who is currently unable to compete due to injury, has caused a stir in the tennis world with regards to the Saudi takeover. Many fans believe that the renowned Spanish player has lost his motivation to perform at the highest level, with rumors suggesting that he has signed a multi-billion dollar deal with the Arabian country.
Despite making a strong comeback this year after being absent from the previous season, the star from Manacor, Spain, once again emphasized that he is not fully fit and requires more match practice before participating in the Indian Wells tournament in March. During an interview on Cope’s El Partidazo, host Angel Garcia attempted to extract information from Nadal regarding his recent withdrawal from the Doha Open.
When questioned about the rumors surrounding his involvement in the Saudi takeover of tennis, Nadal promptly dismissed the accusations as baseless. He clarified that his intention is to assist the country in embracing the sport, as Saudi Arabia aims to establish itself as a prominent hub for tennis.
Nadal asserted that he has not signed a multi-million dollar contract with Saudi Arabia out of personal gain, but rather to contribute to positive change and improve people’s lives. He acknowledged the criticism he has received and expressed his determination to make a meaningful impact.
During the interview, Garcia inquired about Nadal’s future plans. The tennis star candidly admitted that he is skeptical about the likelihood of achieving his goals. He acknowledged that circumstances are not in his favor and that there is a significant gap between his aspirations and the reality of what he can accomplish.
Nadal also discussed his deep desire to participate in the prestigious Roland Garros tournament, possibly for the final time. As a 14-time winner of the French Open, he has prioritized this event for the current season, which may be his last in professional tennis. Nadal emphasized the importance of cautious preparation in the months leading up to the clay court tournament, as he aims to compete at his peak fitness level.
According to the Source firstsportz.com