Rafael Nadal Becomes Ambassador for Saudi Tennis Federation

FILE - Rafael Nadal of Spain reflects between games in his quarter-final match against Jordan Thompson of Australia during the Brisbane International tennis tournament in Brisbane, Australia, Friday, Jan. 5, 2024. (AP Photo/Tertius Pickard, File)
FILE - Rafael Nadal of Spain reflects between games in his quarter-final match against Jordan Thompson of Australia during the Brisbane International tennis tournament in Brisbane, Australia, Friday, Jan. 5, 2024. (AP Photo/Tertius Pickard, File)
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Rafael Nadal Becomes Ambassador for Saudi Tennis Federation

FILE - Rafael Nadal of Spain reflects between games in his quarter-final match against Jordan Thompson of Australia during the Brisbane International tennis tournament in Brisbane, Australia, Friday, Jan. 5, 2024. (AP Photo/Tertius Pickard, File)
FILE - Rafael Nadal of Spain reflects between games in his quarter-final match against Jordan Thompson of Australia during the Brisbane International tennis tournament in Brisbane, Australia, Friday, Jan. 5, 2024. (AP Photo/Tertius Pickard, File)

The Saudi Tennis Federation (STF) has unveiled a new collaboration with Spanish tennis star Rafael Nadal.In this partnership, the tennis icon assumes the role of "Ambassador of the Federation," with a goal to inspire the next generation, promote tennis as a sport in the Kingdom, and contribute to the overall development of sports in the region.The partnership encompasses the establishment of a tennis academy named "Rafa Nadal." This academy will feature state-of-the-art facilities and employ the latest training methods, aiming to cultivate emerging talents in the realm of tennis.STF President Arij Mutabagani said Nadal embodies a true champion both on and off the court.

Mutabagani added Nadal is an exemplary role model for young individuals, highlighting his dedication and commitment to training.She also highlighted that the Kingdom has emerged as a hub for major international sports events in line with Saudi Vision 2030 and the ongoing social and economic transformation the country is undergoing.Nadal emphasized the widespread growth and progress occurring throughout the Kingdom.He expressed his pleasure in being part of this transformation and affirmed his determination to contribute to the global growth of sports, particularly in Saudi Arabia.“The academy represents a long-term commitment to tennis and the Kingdom. Serving as a center of learning, it aims to expedite the journey of talented individuals in tennis, providing players with an ideal environment to learn and enhance their competitive abilities,” Nadal said.



Neymar Returns from Injury, Santos Future Unclear

(FILES) Santos' forward #10 Neymar gestures during the Campeonato Paulista football match between Santos and Botafogo de Ribeirao Preto at the Urbano Caldeira Stadium in Santos, Sao Paulo state, Brazil on February 5, 2025. (Photo by Nelson ALMEIDA / AFP)
(FILES) Santos' forward #10 Neymar gestures during the Campeonato Paulista football match between Santos and Botafogo de Ribeirao Preto at the Urbano Caldeira Stadium in Santos, Sao Paulo state, Brazil on February 5, 2025. (Photo by Nelson ALMEIDA / AFP)
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Neymar Returns from Injury, Santos Future Unclear

(FILES) Santos' forward #10 Neymar gestures during the Campeonato Paulista football match between Santos and Botafogo de Ribeirao Preto at the Urbano Caldeira Stadium in Santos, Sao Paulo state, Brazil on February 5, 2025. (Photo by Nelson ALMEIDA / AFP)
(FILES) Santos' forward #10 Neymar gestures during the Campeonato Paulista football match between Santos and Botafogo de Ribeirao Preto at the Urbano Caldeira Stadium in Santos, Sao Paulo state, Brazil on February 5, 2025. (Photo by Nelson ALMEIDA / AFP)

Neymar returned to action on Thursday after more than a month on the sidelines due to a thigh injury but the Brazilian was unable to prevent Santos from exiting the Copa do Brasil after they lost 5-4 in a penalty shootout against CRB.

The former Barcelona and Paris St Germain forward has had a horrible run of injuries, and left the pitch in tears last month after suffering his second significant injury of the year.

The 33-year-old returned to his boyhood club Santos after a stint at Saudi Arabia's Al-Hilal, with his contract at the Brazilian side running until June 30 according to media reports.

Neymar was giving little away when asked if he would extend his stay at Santos, who drew with CRB in both legs of their third-round tie.

"I don't know yet," he told Amazon Prime, according to Reuters.

Santos are currently second bottom of the league, having lost six of their first nine matches of the 2025 season.