Djokovic and Nadal wait on Saudi match
Khashoggi murder puts Jeddah date in doubt World’s top two signed for lucrative exhibition
Tennis’s two top-ranked men, Rafael Nadal and Novak Djokovic, expressed doubts yesterday 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 murdered 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, which is sponsored by the Saudi government and is scheduled to be played at King Abdullah Sports City in Jeddah, they will lend credibility to an embattled regime.
Yet the players’ responses yesterday 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. “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. It’s unfortunate that we are both drawn into this right now.
“I’m aware of what’s happening and it’s sad. I’ve always been trying to be very professional and respectful towards people I have commitments with. We have to get more information on what’s happening so we can make a rational decision.”
Nadal revealed his anguish over the fatal flooding that struck his home island of Majorca on Oct 9. A total of 13 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. It was terrible all the things that happened in the village next to my house.”
Back on the court, Elina Svitolina won the WTA Finals in Singapore, while Roger Federer claimed his 99th career title in Basel.
Meanwhile, 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.