Matteo Berrettini has become a PIF ambassador (Image: Getty)
Fans have slammed Matteo Berrettini after he took to social media to announce his latest partnership.
The 2021 finalist has become an ambassador for Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund.
The PIF – Saudi’s sovereign wealth fund controlled by Mohammed bin Salman – also has deals with both the and , with their logo appearing on sideboards at tournaments like the Madrid Open.
Berrettini and the PIF shared the news of their partnership on on Tuesday. The PIF said the world No. 34 “embodies PIF’s vision of elevating tennis through inclusivity, youth empowerment, sustainability, and technology, creating impact for future generations.”
The Italian tennis star also shared the post to his story and wrote: “Proud to be part of the PIF family and super excited about the year ahead! Lots to look forward to.”
But the announcement didn’t go down well with fans, who accused the former 28-year-old of signing the deal for money.
“Would love to know how much he’s being paid so I can begin to understand this s*** because we all have a number,” u/Tantle18 wrote on .
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u/Emotional_Pizza_1222 branded Berrettini a “sell out” while u/Flat_Professional_55 said: “Everyone has a price”.
u/johntryllyfu added: “Money talks and everybody listens”, and u/SK90035 claimed: “That delicious oil money is hard to resist.”
Others voiced their disappointment in the former world No. 6. “Oh Matteo, what a shame. Wonder which part of the PIF he’s “proud” to be a part of, other than the money…” u/EstatePinguino wrote.
u/cavalry_sabre added: “Remember when your fav celebrity/athlete preaches to you about morals. They have none.” And u/IntroductionOld479 said: “Nobody is safe. 2024 is definitely an odd year.”
Saudi Arabia and the PIF have become increasingly involved with tennis. As well as the PIF’s deals with Berrettini, the ATP and the WTA, several tournaments have been held in the Kingdom this year.
The Next Gen ATP Finals – a tournament for top players aged 20-and-under – moved to Jeddah at the end of 2023 on a five-year deal. Riyadh was the host city of this year’s WTA Finals, won by .
The likes of , and competed in the Six Kings Slam exhibition in Riyadh two months ago. And Nadal is also