Netflix knew how to take the plunge. Rafael Nadal barely had time to announce his return to the circuit in Brisbane on January 15, when Netflix seized the news. This Monday, the American giant announced that it will broadcast its next sporting event live, The Netflix Slam. And what could be better for the occasion than to pit the two great Spanish champions against each other?
At the top of the bill, Netflix is selling an enticing Rafael Nadal, 22 Grand Slams under his belt, facing the world number 2 and his young Spanish compatriot Carlos Alcaraz (2 Grand Slam titles), presented as his successor.
“I am thrilled that with The Netflix Slam, we can give our global audience the opportunity to see two tennis greats compete in a live, one-of-a-kind encounter,” said Gabe Spitzer, Vice President from Nonfiction Sports, the department reserved for sports documentaries at Netflix. The event, available for English- and Spanish-speaking markets, will also have “tons of other action,” he added, involving additional players whose names will be announced later.
“I am very excited for my first visit to Las Vegas, one of the most iconic and entertaining cities in the world,” Nadal said. I am also very excited to play with my compatriot Carlos Alcaraz. I’m sure it will be a fantastic evening of tennis. »
His younger brother was just as enthusiastic. “I am honored and very happy to share the court with Rafa in Las Vegas,” said the winner of the US Open 2022 and Wimbledon 2023. “He is of course one of the greatest of all time, and his records and his achievements speak for themselves. Rafa is also one of the nicest guys on tour and I’m looking forward to our match on March 3.”
The announced duel could really be one. Between a Nadal on the comeback after more than 2 years without competition – at the time of the meeting – and an Alcaraz who is struggling to come back from injury, there is a match. As a reminder, the young prodigy offered himself his first victory against his career mentor in three sets at the Master 1000 in Madrid in 2022.
Netflix confirms its desire to launch into live events
“The Netflix Slam” will take place at the Michelob Ultra Arena, located in the Mandalay Bay Resort, on Sunday March 3, 2024 at 12 p.m. (local), 9 p.m. (French). The American streaming platform, which produces and broadcasts numerous successful sports documentaries, including “Break Point” behind the scenes of the ATP and WTA circuits and “Formula 1: Drivers of their destiny”, confirms its foray into sports broadcasting live.
In October, she broadcast “The Netflix Cup”, an exhibition golf tournament between four F1 drivers and four professional golfers in Las Vegas. According to Reuters, it would also consider broadcasting boxing fights live.
By positioning itself on live broadcasting, the platform suffered two failures last April. Technical problems prevented the live broadcast of an episode of the series Love is Blind from the Chris Rock show: Selective Outrage.
