Nadal and Djokovic under fire for latest comments on Saudi Arabia

A leading tennis writer has called out Rafael Nadal and Novak Djokovic over their seemingly hypocritical stance on Saudi Arabia.

Nadal and Djokovic has sparked further criticism over their participation in a controversial exhibition match in Saudi Arabia in December.

Human Rights groups have called on the tennis superstars to reconsider their involvement in the event, in protest against the killing of journalist Jamal Khashoggi in a Saudi consulate in Turkey.

On Wednesday, Roger Federer revealed he turned down an offer to play in the exhibition match over a year ago.

“I didn’t want to play there at that time. So, for me, it was a very quick decision,” he said.

However Nadal and Djokovic have defended their participation.

Among other reasons for playing, Djokovic said it would be good preparation for the first major of 2019 – the Australian Open.

“Last year when we were discussing this potential match-up, we agreed that it’s going to happen in December as a kind of a lead-up to the beginning of the season.”

“And it was my professional tennis decision to do that,” Djokovic said recently.

However prominent tennis writer Kevin Mitchell sees that stance as a bit hypocritical, given that tennis players are frequently expressing concerns about the packed schedule.

“Central to their defence was the claim that “the tournament” was part of their preparation for the first major of 2019,” Mitchell wrote for The Guardian.

“As if they would not benefit more from rest (given the repeated complaint that they have too many commitments) or playing in a way more competitive environment than an over-hyped friendly hit in front of royalty in the desert.

“The two players have at least addressed the situation but going ahead with December’s game in Jeddah given the global outrage over Jamal Khashoggi’s death is a mistake.”

Mitchell described Djokovic and Nadal as “toweringly equivocal”, after they refused to weigh in on the political matter.

“I personally always try to be very apolitical. I don’t like to involve myself in any political exchange or situations. And it’s unfortunate that we are both drawn into this right now,” Djokovic said.

“All I can say is that we have the commitment with them for over a year.

“And of course I know, I’m aware of what’s happening. And it’s sad, of course. It’s the only thing that you can feel when you see something like that and when you hear something like that.

“But I can’t say more than that. My team right now is in touch with the people in Saudi Arabia as well as Rafa’s and of course we are all talking to understand the situation better.

“Right now we just don’t have obviously enough information and we have to look into that a bit more and then we’ll make our decision soon.”

Nadal expressed similar sentiments that he needed more information.

“Of course I’m aware of the situation. But I had a commitment since one year ago to play there. And my team is talking to them, to analyse things. That’s it,” Nadal said.

“As you know, when these kind of things happen … it’s terrible that one journalist lost their life.

“I know something happened very bad there. So we are looking at how the situation evolves and I hope things will clarify as soon as possible.”

But Giri Nathan of Deadspin asked “what more details do they need?”

“Both Nadal and Djokovic appear to understand that something ‘bad’ and ‘sad’ has taken place in full view of the world, but seem to be stalling as they figure out what to do between now and December 22”, Nathan wrote.

“It’s unclear what new details would be required for these two men — who made a combined US$19 million in on-court winnings alone this season — to turn down the paycheque.”