Rafael Nadal returned to the tennis court on Saturday at the Rafa Nadal Academy in Manacor, Spain, playing his first match since his professional retirement in November 2024. LAOLA1 reported that the 22-time Grand-Slam champion hosted an exhibition event celebrating the academy’s tenth anniversary, drawing more than 2,000 spectators to watch a series of doubles matches between Team Nadal and Team Murray.
Exhibition Matches Unfold in Manacor
The anniversary event, titled the Rafa Academy Slam, featured eight former top players and Grand-Slam champions competing in a special doubles format. Sport1.de detailed that the tournament consisted of four doubles matches decided by match tie-breaks up to 10 points. On the host’s side, Rafael Nadal was joined by Carlos Moyá, David Ferrer, and Richard Gasquet. The opposing Team Murray was anchored by Andy Murray alongside Dominic Thiem, Marat Safin, and Fabio Fognini.
Mallorca-services.es noted that the event began with an electric atmosphere, packed stands, and a nostalgic tone on the center court in Manacor. Before the matches commenced, the tournament opened with a gathering at the Sa Punta restaurant on Mallorca, where players, managers, and former footballers like Raúl González met for a welcome dinner, according to official academy publications.
Dominic Thiem Wins Key Match Against Nadal
Austria’s former number one, Dominic Thiem, delivered a standout result during the afternoon’s play. Partnering with Team Captain Andy Murray, Thiem secured a narrow 10:9 victory in their doubles encounter against the Spanish pairing of Rafael Nadal and David Ferrer, as reported by LAOLA1. Despite individual losses in specific ties, Nadal’s squad ultimately claimed the overall exhibition victory.
For Nadal, stepping back onto the competitive surface presented an immediate physical reminder of his time away from the sport. Having last played competitively 683 days prior—a Davis Cup quarterfinal loss against Botic van de Zandschulp on November 19, 2024—the Spaniard admitted the rust showed. “When you don’t train for almost two years, to be honest, it’s not so nice to be back on the court,” Nadal said with a smile in post-match remarks recorded by LAOLA1.
Decade of the Rafa Nadal Academy
The exhibition served primarily to mark ten years since the launch of the Rafa Nadal Academy, which officially opened its doors in Manacor on October 19, 2016. Mallorca-services.es reported that the institution has since expanded internationally with training centers established in locations ranging from Kuwait to Hong Kong, alongside planned projects in Brazil and Indonesien. The day’s events concluded with a musical performance by artist David Bisbal.
During a press conference following the exhibition, Nadal addressed speculation regarding his future in the sport, specifically whether he would transition into coaching. While declining to rule out a coaching role down the line, the Mallorcan stated that his immediate focus remains entirely on his family.
When Did Rafael Nadal Play His Last Professional Match?
When did Rafael Nadal play his last professional match before this exhibition?
Rafael Nadal played his final professional match on November 19, 2024, in the Davis Cup quarterfinals in Málaga, where he lost in straight sets to Botic van de Zandschulp.
Who captained the opposing team at the Rafa Academy Slam?
Three-time major champion Andy Murray served as the captain of the opposing team, leading a squad that included Dominic Thiem, Marat Safin, and Fabio Fognini.
How long has the Rafa Nadal Academy been operating in Manacor?
The Rafa Nadal Academy celebrated its tenth anniversary, having originally opened its facility in Manacor on October 19, 2016.
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