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Swiatek warns of ‘backlash’ after Nadal accepts Saudi role
By Scott Spits
World No.1 Iga Swiatek has hinted at concerns among players over moves to take tennis to Saudi Arabia after Spanish legend Rafael Nadal became the latest sports star to accept a role in the gulf nation.
In a bold public relations move, and amid accusations that Saudi Arabia uses its public investment fund to engage in “sportswashing” of its human rights record, the Saudi Tennis Federation said the deal involved Nadal visiting each year to support “the development of boys and girls in the sport as well as grow further interest in tennis”.
“Everywhere you look in Saudi Arabia you can see growth and progress, and I’m excited to be part of that,” said Nadal, who withdrew from Open on the eve of the tournament.
Swiatek was asked about the issue after defeating former Australian Open champion Sofia Kenin in straight sets, 7-6 (7-2), 6-2, to advance to the second round on Tuesday.
She said players were waiting to hear whether the season-ending WTA Finals would be held in Saudi Arabia.
“It was always hard for me to say if it’s good or not because it’s not easy for women in these areas,” said Swiatek.
“Obviously, these countries also want to change and improve politically and sociologically. It’s not easy to decide.”
“There were rumours about sportswashing. In my case, because I have nothing to do with Rafa and his decisions, it should be up to the federations and the governing bodies who decide if we’re going to play there or not. If there would be some negative backlash, they should take the responsibility.”
Nadal’s new connection with Saudi Arabia comes after the men’s ATP Tour said in August its Next Gen Finals for under-21 players would be held in Jeddah for five years until 2027, and after former Australian Open tournament director Paul McNamee called on Tennis Australia to stare down the Saudi threat to the summer.
Saudi Arabia has also hosted high-profile exhibition matches, with Novak Djokovic playing Carlos Alcaraz and Aryna Sabalenka taking on Ons Jabeur.
Nadal said he wanted to see “growth and progress” in Saudi Arabia.
“In a recent visit I saw the interest in both aspects and I want to be part of that role of growing the sport of tennis around the world,” he posted on X.
“The kids are looking to the future and I saw they are passionate about sports … I want to encourage them to pick up a racket and enjoy the benefits of a healthy living.”
The WTA said no decision had been made about the WTA Finals, scheduled for November. WTA chairman Steve Simon said last year that Saudi Arabia still posed “big issues” as a host.
Iga Swiatek is through to the second round.Credit: Chris Hopkins
“We are in discussions with various groups surrounding the 2024 WTA Finals and beyond and have not made any decisions at this time. As with all WTA decisions, we are working closely with players and focused on continuing to build a strong future for women’s tennis,” a spokesperson said in a statement.
Meantime Swiatek, who became world No.1 when Ash Barty retired in early 2022, explained how the now-retired Australian star had played a role in her rise.
Swiatek said Barty’s distinctive playing style, especially her classic slice backhand, had motivated her to change her game.
“It was really annoying losing against her and playing against her because you knew what she’s going to play in terms of the tactics and the placement,” said Swiatek.
“[But] she did it so well, there was nothing you could do. It really annoyed me. I wanted to get better, be able to be solid when she’s playing her slices.
“Even though she wasn’t the tallest one, she served really well and the placement was amazing.
“She really motivated me. I never got to win against Ash.”
In other women’s results, former champion Angelique Kerber was eliminated by 2022 finalist Danielle Collins. Victoria Azarenka defeated Italian Camila Giorgi in three, and American Sloane Stephens accounted for Australian wildcard Olivia Gadecki.
In the men’s draw, Australia’s Max Purcell progressed with a 3-6, 7-6 (7-2), 6-4, 7-5 triumph over Hungarian Mate Valkusz.
Purcell rallied from a set and a break down, and overcame two late stumbles, to record his maiden Australian Open victory.
The world No.45 took almost three hours and seven match points, following two previous first-round exits at his home grand slam.
Purcell, who broke into the top 100 for the first time last year, will next try to beat Norwegian star Casper Ruud for a second straight time after defeating the triple slam finalist in Cincinnati in 2023.
Max Purcell is through to the second round.Credit: Getty Images
“Hopefully, it [the court] is lively and bouncy like Cincinnati and I can just do some damage, like I did against him there,” Purcell said.
“I thought the conditions really suited me in Cincinnati, more so than him, with my serve, and I was coming into the net a lot.
“It can be hot and fast here [and] the balls are a little bit heavier, so I don’t see why it can’t work again.”
Sydneysider James McCabe, 20, was eliminated in four sets on his grand slam debut after stealing the second set from American Alex Michelsen.
McCabe joined fellow Australian wildcards Jason Kubler, James Duckworth, Adam Walton and Marc Polmans out in the first round, as well as qualifier Dane Sweeny and also Alexsandar Vukic, who lost to countryman Jordan Thompson in five sets on Monday.
Watch all the Australian Open action live on Nine, 9Gem, 9Now and ad-free on Stan Sport.
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