Rafael Nadal to help expand tennis in Saudi Arabia in new role as ambassador

Rafael Nadal's role in helping to grow tennis in the Gulf is set to increase significantly after the Spanish great was appointed ambassador of the Saudi Tennis Federation (STF).

As part of his new position, Nadal, who made a recent surprise visit to a junior tennis clinic in Riyadh hosted by the STF, will spend dedicated time in Saudi Arabia 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.

Additionally, plans are also being put in place to develop a new Rafa Nadal Academy to nurture talent and serve as a centre of excellence to help players with professional tennis aspirations.

“Everywhere you look in Saudi Arabia, you can see growth and progress and I’m excited to be part of that," Nadal, 37, said. "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.

"The kids here today are looking to the future and have a real passion for all sports. If I can help them pick up a racquet or simply get fit and enjoy the benefits of healthy living, then I’ll be happy to have made a difference.”

Nadal, one of the greatest tennis players in history and winner of 22 Grand Slam titles, is set to support tennis in one of the fastest-growing countries in the world, with sport becoming an increasingly important part of daily life, especially for Saudi Arabia's 20 million people under 30 years old.

Under Vision 2030, sports participation across men and women in Saudi Arabia has rapidly increased and is now close to 50 per cent, more than tripling since 2015. The number of sports federations has also tripled during this