AMNESTY International has urged Rafael Nadal to use his new role as ambassador for the Saudi Tennis Federation (STF) as a platform to speak out on human rights.

Nadal, 37, has taken up the role as part of the STF’s “long-term commitment to help grow the sport and inspire a new generation of athletes” in the Gulf kingdom.

The Spaniard, a 22-time Grand Slam winner, said he wanted to help the sport’s continued development across the world — and that “in Saudi there is real potential.”