Rafael Nadal has been advised to resist the lure of a lucrative offer from Saudi Arabia to conclude his illustrious career with a farewell match in the Gulf state. Although Nadal has not yet confirmed his retirement plans, many anticipate that he will retire before the end of 2024.
Recently, Nadal announced that he would not be participating in the US Open, despite initially being listed for the final Grand Slam of the year. However, he is still expected to play in the Laver Cup, sparking speculation that it could be his final event before retiring from professional tennis.
Where Nadal will choose to end his career remains uncertain, but French journalist Benoit Maylin is adamant that the tennis legend should avoid making his final appearance in Saudi Arabia. Maylin argues that retiring in a country with a controversial human rights record could tarnish Nadal’s public image.
Speaking on Sans Filet, Maylin stated: “It should have been at Roland Garros this year or at the Olympics. The symbolism would have been strong, but he didn’t want to. At the Laver Cup, as with [Roger] Federer, who lined up the zeros to get it in September? In Saudi Arabia, where he became the ambassador of their tennis federation this year and who could organise an exhibition worth millions? As long as it’s nothing like that. It would tarnish the image of a champion renowned for his ethics.”
In January, Nadal accepted an ambassadorial role with the Saudi Tennis Federation, aimed at developing the sport in the region. This decision was met with criticism, especially since Nadal has already amassed hundreds of millions of pounds throughout his career. Maylin suggested that Nadal should instead retire on home soil at the Davis Cup finals, which will be held in Malaga, Spain, this November.
“If he has to stop this year, let him do it in Spain, defending his country’s colours in the Davis Cup with Carlos Alcaraz,” Maylin added. “That would be beautiful.”
Despite his role with the Saudi Tennis Federation, Nadal has never hinted that he plans to end his career in Saudi Arabia. As the 38-year-old tennis icon continues to navigate the final stages of his career, fans worldwide are eager to see how and where he will choose to bid farewell to the sport.
