Rafael Nadal has been cautioned against ending his illustrious tennis career with a farewell event in Saudi Arabia, despite a lucrative offer from the Gulf state.
Nadal, who recently confirmed his absence from the upcoming US Open, is speculated to retire by the end of 2024. French journalist Benoit Maylin voiced strong opposition to the idea of Nadal’s retirement taking place in Saudi Arabia, citing concerns over the country’s human rights record.
Maylin argued that such a decision could tarnish the legacy of Nadal, a champion celebrated for his ethics.
Maylin suggested that Nadal should have considered retiring at Roland Garros or the Olympics, emphasizing the symbolic significance of these events. Alternatively, he proposed that Nadal could make his final appearance on home soil at the Davis Cup finals in Malaga, Spain, later this year, which he believes would be a more fitting end to Nadal’s career.
Nadal, who currently serves as an ambassador for the Saudi Tennis Federation, has not yet disclosed specific plans for his retirement, leaving fans and the tennis world in suspense about his next moves.
