Share

Djokovic, Nadal mum over Saudi exhibition match

Cape Town - Novak Djokovic and Rafael Nadal agreed to play in an exhibition match in Saudi Arabia earlier this month, but have remained silent since the murder of Saudi journalist Jamal Khashoggi. 

The middle eastern nation has been in the headlines for all the wrong reasons, with the truth eventually emerging that missing Khashoggi was strangled to death by a hit-squad reportedly belonging to the crown prince Mohammed bin Salman inside the Saudi Arabian consulate in Turkey.

The journalist was known for being highly critical of the Saudi crown prince and it’s king. 

On October 7, during the period where authorities were trying to find the missing Khashoggi, Nadal tweeted that he had accepted to play Djokovic in an exhibition match in Jeddah on December 22.

Not they they need it, but each player will reportedly bag a cool $1 million for their efforts. Since, they have kept radio silence. 

While lucrative exhibition matches among high-profile players are nothing new, one can understand their moral dilemma, especially in light of Khashoggi’s murder. 

Both players are known for their philanthropic efforts and are respected worldwide on and off the court.

If the pair go through with their exhibition, they could - arguably at the risk of their lives - raise awareness of the repressive nature of the Saudi state, which has human rights issues galore. 

On the flip side, their appearance could also be seen as legitimising the atrocities.

We live in a world where facts and fiction get blurred
Who we choose to trust can have a profound impact on our lives. Join thousands of devoted South Africans who look to News24 to bring them news they can trust every day. As we celebrate 25 years, become a News24 subscriber as we strive to keep you informed, inspired and empowered.
Join News24 today
heading
description
username
Show Comments ()
Voting Booth
Should Siya Kolisi keep the captaincy as the Springboks build towards their World Cup title defence in 2027?
Please select an option Oops! Something went wrong, please try again later.
Results
Yes! Siya will only be 36 at the next World Cup. He can make it!
26% - 1273 votes
No! I think the smart thing to do is start again with a younger skipper ...
29% - 1470 votes
I'd keep Siya captain for now, but look to have someone else for 2027.
45% - 2245 votes
Vote
Editorial feedback and complaints

Contact the public editor with feedback for our journalists, complaints, queries or suggestions about articles on News24.

LEARN MORE