Rafael Nadal and Novak Djokovic express doubts over match in Saudi Arabia - but are yet to withdraw
Tennis’s two top-ranked men, Rafael Nadal and Novak Djokovic, both expressed doubts on Sunday about their planned exhibition match in Saudi Arabia in December. But they also confirmed that they have yet to withdraw.
Earlier this month, the journalist Jamal Khashoggi, a high-profile critic of crown prince Mohammed bin Salman, was assassinated in the Saudi consulate in Istanbul, sparking international outrage.
Critics such as Amnesty International have warned that if Nadal and Djokovic go ahead with the multi-million dollar match on Dec 22, which is sponsored by the Saudi government and has been slated for the King Abdullah Sports City in Jeddah, they will lend credibility to an embattled regime.
Yet both players’ responses on Sunday suggested that the contracts were signed a long time ago.
“I had a commitment since one year to play there,” said Nadal during a press briefing in Paris. “It’s terrible that one journalist lost their life. I know something happened very bad inside there. So we are looking about how the situation evolves and I hope the things will clarify as soon as possible.”
A couple of hours later, Djokovic said that the event formed part of his planned build-up to the 2019 season. “I don’t like to involve myself in any political exchange or situations,” Djokovic explained. “It’s unfortunate that we are both drawn into this right now.
“I’m aware of what’s happening, and it’s sad, of course. I’ve been always trying to be very professional and respectful towards people that I have commitments with. We have to get more information on what’s happening so we can make a rational decision whether it’s good to go or not.”
During the same round of interviews, Nadal also revealed his anguish over the fatal flooding that struck his home island of Majorca on Oct 9. Thirteen lives were lost, including those of a mother and child whose car was pulled into a river.
“The mother and the son, I know them,” said Nadal. “They are cousins of one of my best friends. So I lived the situation from inside and I really saw the drama of all these people looking for the kid.
“The disaster has been just six kilometres away from where I live. I was at home and the rain never stopped. It was terrible all the things that happened in the village next to my house, and not only one, a few villages – but especially Sant Llorenc.”
Back on the court, Elina Svitolina won the WTA Finals in Singapore, while Roger Federer claimed his 99th title in Basel. After a demanding week that featured a couple of lengthy three-setters, Federer said he would decide on Monday whether to compete in the Paris Masters.
Meanwhile, the eight-time major champion, Andre Agassi, is back on the tour, acting as a consultant coach for last year’s Nitto ATP Finals winner Grigor Dimitrov.
“I asked Andre to join us,” said Dimitrov’s main coach, Dani Vallverdu. “He has known Grigor well since the juniors. The whole team is looking forward to having him around.”
