It is finally the time and the Madrid Open is up and running in some style. While some fans are waiting to see their idols like Rafael Nadal and others in action, some are eagerly waiting for what could be one of the ultimate game-changing moment for tennis. Apparently, there have been ongoing talks about the possible merger of the ATP and the WTA with the Middle East also showing interest towards the game.

Over the last few years, the Saudis have shown immense interest towards the game and just a few months back, they took their first-ever step by signing Rafael Nadal as the ambassador for the Saudi Tennis Federation. As things stand they have taken yet another major step in their quest to enter the sport. According to recent reports that came out, Saudia Arabia is planning to host a new Masters 1000 event which will start in 2027.

Tennis bigwig Jose Morgado took a moment to share the news on his official X account and suggested that it is a week of big meetings in Madrid and some news has already started to leak out. “It’s a week of big meetings and decisions here in Madrid. Some starting to leak…” he wrote.

Thus, while any official confirmation is yet to come out, the fans will eagerly expect to know the real deal. Will this happen or not? Talking about the Saudis, they have shown a keen interest in entering the sport. However, there have been mixed reactions from the tennis fraternity when it comes to this. Apparently, one of the legends of the game Jimmy Connors came ahead to spark his opinion on Rafael Nadal’s deal with the Saudis.

Jimmy Connors speaks his heart out on the latest Rafael Nadal deal with the Saudis

In his podcast, Advantage Connors, tennis legend Jimmy Connors came ahead to spark his opinion on the Saudis boarding Rafael Nadal as the ambassador of the Saudi Tennis Federation. In the podcast, he suggested that money changes everything. Once the money starts to come in, it can make a lot of change, be it attitude, thoughts, and others.

“I mean, didn’t Nadal just sign a contract with Saudi? Yeah, you know, money changes everything. Money changes everybody’s thoughts. Everybody’s attitudes, everybody’s wants, you know. Now you can see it’s in sports, it’s in politics and in government, it’s in everything. So what a time to be alive,” said Jimmy in the podcast.

Trending

‘I Was Already Salty’- Serena Williams Pokes Husband Alexis Ohanian Over His $180 Million Master-Stroke for Their Daughter Olympia

May 03, 2024 08:01 PM EDT

Madrid Open: Aryna Sabalenka Joins Iga Swiatek in Giving a Cold Shoulder to Coco Gauff as WTA Big 3 Debate Rages On

May 03, 2024 05:11 PM EDT

Andy Roddick Lays Bare Coco Gauff’s Issues That’s Ending Her Case as WTA Spearhead Alongside Swiatek and Sabalenka

May 03, 2024 04:57 PM EDT

How Is Aryna Sabalenka’s New Rumored Boyfriend Involved in Miami GP? Everything to Know About the $23.8 Million Connection

May 03, 2024 11:08 AM EDT

Jessica Pegula Exposes Frances Tiafoe’s Recklessness in Her Startling Confession Cart Revelation

May 03, 2024 11:09 AM EDT

Get instantly notified of the hottest Tennis stories via Google! Click on Follow Us and Tap the Blue Star.

Follow Us

Thus, Rafael Nadal, who has brought a ray of hope to the Saudis had to go through some backlash from tennis fans and even the legends. While some suggested that what he is doing is not only good for himself but for the betterment of tennis as well, some straightaway slammed him.

What are your thoughts on this? Do you want to see the inclusion of the Saudis in tennis? Please let us know in the comments below!