‘It’s Hard for Me’ – Rafael Nadal’s Sudden Saudi Arabia Move Leaves Fangirl Iga Swiatek Perplexed

Nadal’s fan and Polish tennis prodigy Iga Swiatek revealed her opinion about Nadal‘s news of joining the Saudi Arabian tennis team. Nadal introduced himself as the new ambassador for the Saudi Tennis Federation. He might also open his tennis academy in Riyadh. Amid many controversies about this case, Iga Swiatek finally takes the jibes at it following the women’s tournament issue in the country.

Swiatek has previously shown a great respect for the Spanish tennis legend. Swiatek came forward in Nadal’s support stating how success didn’t change this tennis maestro’s personality at all. Now after Nadal’s recent news, Swiatek drops her comment on the matter.

Iga Swiatek feels ‘it’s not easy for women in these areas’

In a recent interview, when Swiatek was asked about her opinion, she responded with great concern. Swiatek said- “Honestly, I didn’t know that this is the case. Well, for sure I feel like it’s not black and white, everything that’s going on, in the sport. It’s hard for me to sum up in one sentence.”

She delved into the case of WTA finals and added- “There were a lot of rumors about WTA Finals going to Saudi. We’re still waiting for the decision. It was always hard for me to say if it’s good or not because it’s not easy for women in these areas. Obviously these countries also want to change and improve politically and sociologically. It’s not easy to decide.”

Read more: Backlash from Disgusted Tennis Fans After Sudden Saudi Arabia Announcement

Swiatek then mentioned her bits into the matter of sportswashing and Nadal’s decision. She commented- “Also in terms of many events that were held, there were rumors about sportswashing. In my case, because I have nothing to do with Rafa and his decisions, it should be up to the federations and the governing bodies who decide if we’re going to play there or not. If there would be some negative backlash, they should take the responsibility.”

Swiatek is ‘trying not to be too upfront’ as she can’t ‘straightforwardly go one way’ about Rafa’s decision

Iga Swiatek’s comment about Rafael Nadal’s decision to join the Saudi Tennis Federation as their new ambassador surely brought concerns for Iga Swiatek. In this context, she admitted how ATP is already present in Saudi Arabia despite the WTA’s challenges to host tournament finals there.

Swiatek said- “For me it’s hard to straightforwardly go one way and say anything. I didn’t even know about Rafa’s decision. Obviously men’s sport is already there in Saudi. I don’t know if it’s a good decision or not. I’m kind of trying not to be too up front. Sorry.” 

The world’s number-one tennis player’s statement expressed her concerns. However, she seemed to choose not to be a direct critique of it. Given that she is a Nadal fan, Swiatek’s concern surrounds WTA’s issues and women tennis stars’ freedom if Saudi Arabia hosts tournament finals in the future. What is your take on Iga Swiatek’s comment on the Nadal case?

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