RIYADH — In the midst of ongoing speculation surrounding Rafael Nadal's comments about Saudi Arabia, Turki Al-Sheikh, Chairman of the General Entertainment Authority, took to social media to clear the air. Al-Sheikh shared a message from Nadal, highlighting the Spanish tennis legend's gratitude and positive experience during the Riyadh Season. The message, which was posted on Al-Sheikh's official X (formerly Twitter) account, reads: "Hello your excellency! This is Rafa Nadal! I hope you are doing very well! I want to thank you very much for everything last week! It has been amazing playing in the Riyadh Season. Thanks for all the presents and your hospitality at your home! Thank you very much on behalf of my family too! Hope to see you very soon." Al-Sheikh accompanied the message with a statement addressing what he referred to as false rumors, saying: "This is the exact message sent to me by Nadal two days ago... don't believe the malicious rumors. There is an orchestrated campaign targeting any star who comes to the Kingdom or expresses their love for it. This negativity comes from those who dislike the immense progress Vision 2030 is bringing to our country. The tournament was a huge success, and it upset many... Don't follow these baseless rumors. If any of the visitors, in any field, were not genuinely supportive of us, I would be the first to confront them... Rafa Nadal has a big, ambitious tennis project in Saudi Arabia, which he will realize... We are also negotiating a major project with Novak [Djokovic]. Enjoy your country; many surprises are on the way!" Nadal's message to Al-Sheikh comes on the heels of an exclusive interview with AS, in which the 22-time Grand Slam champion acknowledged the controversy surrounding his relationship with Saudi Arabia. In the interview, Nadal expressed his understanding of the criticisms but emphasized his belief that participating in the country's sporting and cultural events can contribute positively to its development. He also reiterated his respect for differing opinions while defending his involvement with Saudi Arabia. The tennis star's partnership with Saudi Arabia includes his role as an ambassador for the Saudi Tennis Federation and the opening of a branch of the Rafa Nadal Academy in Diriyah, marking his commitment to the development of tennis in the Kingdom. As Saudi Arabia continues to host major international events, such as the Riyadh Season, the country's efforts to become a global hub for sports and entertainment remain a key focus, with Nadal and other prominent figures playing central roles in this transformation.
