Novak Djokovic and Rafa Nadal considering boycott of Saudi Arabia event following murder of journalist Jamal Khashoggi
Both players have repeatedly promoted the event on social media but political circumstances might make the meeting untenable
NOVAK DJOKOVIC and Rafael Nadal are thinking of boycotting their lucrative clash in Saudi Arabia following the brutal murder of journalist Jamal Khashoggi.
The tennis superstars have promoted the event to no end on their social media sites but are considering pulling out.
The pair were due to battle it out on December 2 at Jeddah’s King Abdullah Sports City.
But they have been encouraged to cancel the event as Saudi Arabia has come under intense scrutiny lately because of their poor human rights record.
This was intensified further when journalist Jamal Khashoggi was butchered and dismembered in the Saudi Arabian embassy in Istanbul.
The journalist was lured to the embassy and his death has been confirmed as a “premeditated murder”.
World No2 Djokovic has said he is going to weigh up the full extent of the facts before making a decision on playing.
He said: “Of course I’m aware of what’s happening and it’s sad.
“I don’t like to involve myself in any political exchange or situations.
“And it’s unfortunate that we are both drawn into this right now.
“Right now we just don’t have obviously enough information, and we have to look into that a bit more and then we’ll make our decision soon.”
Nadal echoed the sentiments of his tennis rival, saying that they are reviewing the situation before making any decision.
The Spaniard said: “I had a commitment since one year ago. My team is talking to them, to analyse things.”
“It’s terrible that one journalist lost their life. I know something happened very bad inside there.
“I hope things will clarify as soon as possible.”
Djokovic and Nadal have both been in sensational form this year.
And the battle for the No1 spot in tennis is intensifying further this week as they head off to the Paris Masters.
