(FILES) Spain's Rafael Nadal hits a return against Britain's Jack Draper during their men's singles match on day one of the Australian Open tennis tournament in Melbourne on January 16, 2023. Photo: AFP
Nadal, a 37-year-old from Spain who owns 22 Grand Slam titles, currently is missing the Australian Open while recovering from a muscle tear near his surgically repaired hip. He had hoped to return to Grand Slam action at Melbourne Park after missing nearly all of 2023.
Nadal’s new role, announced Monday, includes promoting tennis in Saudi Arabia and plans for a Rafa Nadal Academy there.
It signals yet another step into tennis for the kingdom, which is hosting the men's tour's Next Gen ATP Finals for the top 21-and-under players in Jedda through 2027. The women's tour has been in talks to place its season-ending WTA Finals in Saudi Arabia.
Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman wants to diversify Saudi Arabia’s economy and reduce its reliance on oil.
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