Rafael Nadal shares warning on AI deepfake technology amid videos circulating of him

AI is growing into a tool many people use nowadays, but not all for the right reasons. Rafael Nadal was the victim of this, as he had to take to social media to warn his fans and followers about fake videos of himself created with artificial intelligence.

Over the years, tennis has emersed itself with AI, with it replacing line judges at events around the world. Most recently, it was controversially used at Wimbledon, as the Grand Slam event tried to keep up with its fellow majors. Roland Garros is the only major not to be taking advantage of this, with them using the markings of the ball on the clay as guidance.

Players also utilise AI in training, using it to get personalised feedback on a range of subjects, along with its overview of technique and analysis of a range of things. Many top players will review this data and impliment it in their games to make them a better player, as they look to challenge in the biggest tournaments in the world.

However, AI does have its setbacks, with people using its deepfake technology to create fake videos and pictures of celebrities and well-known people, making them do what they please. It can mislead the public and cause unnecessary chaos and drama. Nadal has come a cropper of this, and was forced to post a statement on X to warn his fans and to reiterate that it is not him.

The statement said: "Hello everyone, I'm sharing this alert message, which is something unusual on my social media, but necessary. My team and I have detected that fake videos generated by artificial intelligence are circulating on some platforms, in which a figure appears that imitates my image and voice.

"In these videos, investment advice or proposals are attributed to me that do not come from me. This is deceptive advertising. Please be careful: I have not made nor do I endorse this type of messages. Thank you all for your attention and support."

The Spaniard retired back in 2024 in the Davis Cup defeat against the Netherlands in Malaga, in a hugely emotional event. In his career, he amassed a massive 22 Grand Slam titles, including an incredible 14 titles at Roland Garros. Nadal returned to Paris, where he was rewarded with a farewell ceremony. He was joined by the rest of the big four, Roger Federer, Novak Djokovic, and Andy Murray, who joined to celebrate the 39-year-old's phenomenal career.