Alcaraz endorses Nadal for becoming Saudi Sports Ambassador

After Spaniard Carlos Alcaraz endorsed compatriot Rafael Nadal on becoming the tennis ambassador for Saudi Arabia, tennis fans took to social media to express their disappointment in the reigning Wimbledon champion.

Nadal signed a multi-million dollar deal last month to be the ambassador for the Saudi Tennis Federation, as Saudi Arabia continues to increase their focus on developing tennis in the nation. However, the country has been criticized for its poor human rights record, with many fans vowing to distance themselves from tennis should the Saudis become more involved.

Following the announcement that Nadal had been selected as a tennis ambassador for Saudi Arabia, Alcaraz wasted no time in commending his idol.

"Regarding Rafa, it's true that I've heard people say they've been criticizing him but in the end, Rafa has decided to sign as an ambassador," said Alcaraz in an interview with MARCA. "I don't think it's bad: if I'm not mistaken, he's signed as a tennis ambassador."

However, tennis fans did not take kindly to Alcaraz's words of praise, and several took to social media to vent their frustrations. With Alcaraz set to participate at the "6 Kings Slam" Saudi-backed exhibition event in October, some fans believed the Spaniard did not want to stir the pot.

"He’s one of the “Six Kings”. Of course he can’t say anything negative about the Saudis," wrote one fan on Reddit.

"Not surprised and I wouldn't expect Jannik or anyone who signed up for the "6 Kings" echo to say any different. It's the usual argument," another fan said.

"I think he's (Alcaraz) ignoring the key issue altogether, their human rights record and the ensuing sportswashing. Rich people are out of touch with reality," another fan said.

"Yet nobody protesting their government using Saudi oil," said another fan.