Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund (PIF) has appointed Italian tennis star Matteo Berrettini as its tennis ambassador. Berrettini, a former world number six, will focus on inspiring the next generation of players, promoting inclusivity, and expanding opportunities within the sport globally.
Berrettini expressed his commitment in a video posted on social media, stating, “Together with the PIF, I’m going to inspire the youth, the kids. This is one of the greatest things I can do.” The PIF, which recently became the official naming partner of the men’s and women’s world rankings, has also partnered with several tournaments as part of its efforts to boost tennis on a global scale.
Berrettini has previously competed in Saudi Arabia, participating in the Diriyah Tennis Cup in 2022. His appointment follows that of Rafael Nadal, who earlier this year became an ambassador for the Saudi Tennis Federation with a focus on training children and growing interest in the sport.
While Saudi Arabia continues to invest heavily in sports, including soccer, Formula One, and golf, the country has faced criticism for its human rights record. Critics accuse Saudi Arabia of “sports-washing,” though the nation denies these allegations and asserts that its laws protect national security.
