When talking about Rafael Nadal, tennis is the only sport that many would associate him with. Throughout his years as a professional player, there’s hardly any record that the Spaniard hasn’t broken. However, now in his penultimate years, the Spaniard is trying his hands on different ventures as well. Recently, the former world number 1 expanded his ventures and invested in the E1 series as he bought his own team. While many thought this was out of pure interest, a popular tennis podcaster had a different idea.

In a recent revelation, Craig Shapiro, a tennis host came ahead and revealed another possible reason behind the deal. Interestingly, it was related to the Rafael Nadal academy that the Spaniard runs.

Tennis podcaster reveals the real reason behind Rafael Nadal’s deal with the Saudi

Tennis podcast guru Craig Shapiro, in a recent question and answer session on his Instagram, shared some interesting info when a fan asked about Rafael Nadal’s move to Saudi for the E1 series. The fan questioned Nadal’s move while asking that it must be out of interest that he did the same. Responding to this, Shapiro explained that it’s not just about passion but also involves money matters.

He revealed that money initially set aside for Nadal’s academy got tangled and it led to a significant financial hit.  The money that he got from the deal could help him revamp his academy. This suggests that Nadal’s recent Saudi moves might be a smart way to handle the impact of the debt. “I was told that they had used that on the academy and they got wiped out by the Saudi deal they did,” wrote Shapiro.

Top Stories

John McEnroe Lashes Out After Fan Pushes for Photo in Awkward Scene: “Go F*** Yourself”

PICTURES: Carlos Alcaraz and Elena Rybakina Mark Australian Open Glory in Special Shoot

Carlos Alcaraz Makes Emotional Admission After Seeing His Coach Honored at Australian Open

Carlos Alcaraz Calls Out Critics With a Strong Statement After Australian Open Win

How Much Prize Money Did Carlos Alcaraz Earn After Taxes for Winning the Men’s Australian Open 2026?

Craig Shapiro: Rafa became Saudi ambassador because Nadal Academy is having massive financial difficulties
byu/The_Big_Untalented intennis

Thus, Craig Shapiro highlighted that this Saudi deal would not only help him with his love for the sport but also financially.

Also read: ‘It’s Humiliating to Get Injuries??’ – Former Serena Williams’ Coach Joins Andy Roddick to Stand Firmly Behind 36-Year-Old Rafael Nadal Following a Messy Headline

While Rafael Nadal dealt with a lot of criticism from the fans for joining hands with the Saudis, it was Carlos Alcaraz who came to his rescue and defended him.

Carlos Alcaraz defends Nadal for his Saudi deal

In a recent interview, young Spanish sensation Alcaraz came ahead and talked about the ongoing saga surrounding Nadal. While he dealt with a lot of backlash from the fans, Alcaraz suggested that it was nothing wrong. While saying that the Saudis are trying to invest more, he added that Rafa is just the right person to show up on the grand stage.

“I haven’t heard much criticism, I have heard people say that they have criticized him. Rafa has decided to sign as an ambassador and it doesn’t seem bad to me. He has signed as an ambassador of tennis in a country that is developing and opening up to the world of sport. Who better than Rafa to promote tennis in places where perhaps it was never played before?” he said.

Thus, while Rafael Nadal dealt with a lot of hate comments from the fans, his successor in tennis, Carlos Alcaraz came right on the spot and spoke highly about the deal that Rafael Nadal recently put his pen to.

Watch this story: ‘I Go With Whatever Serena Says’ – American Tennis Star Coco Gauff Not Sure About Serena Williams’ Retirement