The Next Gen ATP Finals championship stage is set, with last year’s runner-up Learner Tien again staring down Alexander Blockx, the same rival who beat him in a prior major final. As anticipation intensifies, Rafael Nadal has also returned to the business end of the event for a second straight year, now serving as an ambassador for the Saudi Tennis Federation. The 39-year-old, 22-time Grand Slam titan is in Jeddah to elevate the tour’s 20-and-under showcase with a surprising twist for emerging stars.
Nadal remained active in Jeddah during the Next Gen ATP Finals. A press release stated that Nadal spent Saturday afternoon hosting a tennis clinic for Saudi Arabia’s Special Olympics team and other children. A meet-and-greet with fans followed. The winner of the Next Gen ATP Finals will also receive a private visit from Nadal after the final.
On Friday, the Fan Zone at the event moved into a louder gear when the 22-time Grand Slam champion made a special appearance. Nadal still wore a cast on his right hand and wrist after recent surgery, but his arm was no longer in a sling. He spent a long stretch posing for photographs with Saudi fans in cool evening conditions.
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He later watched the all-Spanish match between Rafael Jodar and Martin Landaluce. Landaluce trains at Nadal’s academy in Mallorca. Nadal serves as an ambassador for the Saudi Tennis Federation, a role he accepted at the start of 2024. He plans to stay in Jeddah through Sunday’s final of the 20-and-under competition at King Abdullah Sports City.
His ambassadorial duties focus on promoting tennis throughout the Kingdom. His involvement includes encouraging grassroots participation, supporting training programs, and helping plan long-term development.
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Even hours ago, he posted several images on Instagram and added the caption, “Enjoying the first hours in Jeddah at the @nextgenfinals! Nice opportunity to watch some great matches and spend time with the young players from @sauditennis. It’s great to see how tennis keeps growing here 👏🏻”.
Nadal completed similar activities in Jeddah last year. He attended a meet-and-greet, took part in a prize-giving ceremony at a U14 STF tournament, and led a clay-court coaching clinic for young Saudi talent at The Racquet Space.
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He also visited the Onyx Arena to meet players in the first wheelchair tennis event held in Saudi Arabia. Nadal met Team Saudi’s Davis Cup squad during the same trip.
Nadal later joined a roundtable discussion with ATP Tour players Jakub Mensik, Alex Michelsen, and Joao Fonseca. Fonseca went on to win the 20-and-under showcase.
And now with the title match approaching, attention turns again to Nadal as the Spanish icon has already shared his thoughts on returning to the event.
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