Rafa Nadal has stepped back onto a tennis court, revealing ahead of his academy’s tenth-anniversary tournament in Manacor that he had played very little since retiring from professional play, while media gathered alongside Andy Murray, Carlos Moyà, David Ferrer, Richard Gasquet, Dominic Thiem, Fabio Fognini, and Marat Safin.
Manacor Academy Prepares for Tenth Anniversary Exhibition
The Rafa Nadal Academy complex in Mallorca has conditioned its central court to host the Rafa Nadal Slam Academy, a special anniversary exhibition scheduled for Saturday, October 3, 2026. infobae reported that Nadal and Richard Gasquet held a training session on the indoor courts on Friday, October 2, while Andy Murray practiced alongside young academy prospects on the main stage. The Rafa Nadal Academy Slam is set to be broadcast on Movistar Plus and will run from 4:30 p.m. until 7 p.m., featuring doubles matches decided in a supertiebreak format. Four matches will make up the day’s schedule, providing enough action for every player to feature prominently and allowing the audience in Manacor to witness pairings that were rarely possible on the professional circuit. The event also serves as a rare gathering of tennis greats, echoing a sentiment previously shared by Roger Federer, who once joked when asked about his favorite doubles partner: I thought it was my wife until this guy, Rafa Nadal, showed up and can take the job.
Zero Competitive Ambition After 683 Days Away
Facing reporters 683 days after his final official professional match at the Davis Cup in Málaga on November 19, 2024, Nadal made clear that fans should expect no trace of his trademark on-court intensity during the exhibition. marcasport reported the Spaniard’s blunt assessment of his current form: “The 0% of the competitive Rafa Nadal comes out today. I am in another stage.” Nadal explained that he had spent only brief moments hitting balls recently after months of inactivity following his retirement due to a hip injury. The tournament also revives memories of historic clashes, such as his final encounter against Andy Murray’s compatriot or past rivalries, including his last official match against Andy Murray’s generation, though his final career match overall took place against Botic van de Zandschulp during the 2024 Davis Cup quarterfinals at the Palacio de los Deportes José María Martín Carpena in Málaga, where the Dutch player claimed victory in straight sets with a double 6-4 scoreline.
Reflecting on Career Rivalries and the Absence of Roger Federer
While the anniversary event managed to draw a lineup of contemporary greats, one notable fixture of tennis history is missing from the grounds in Manacor. larazon.es reported that Roger Federer was unable to attend the anniversary, though the Swiss star visited the academy earlier in the summer and maintains a close relationship with its founder. Looking back at his career alongside such rivals, Nadal emphasized that ranking numbers and the chase for the world number-one spot were never his primary source of happiness, noting instead that physical health and daily peace of mind outweighed milestone rankings.
Health, Future Coaching, and Hitting With Alex Eala
Addressing his physical condition after retirement, Nadal noted that he has experienced less daily pain since undergoing a medical procedure involving a hand prosthesis. mundodeportivo reported that the former world number one first tested his post-retirement form in November 2025 during a hitting session with Filipina tennis star Alex Eala at the academy. When questioned about a potential future in coaching or playing exhibition tours, Nadal admitted that while the process brings fatigue, he remains open to helping those who ask, though his primary focus remains on raising his two young children.
Frequently Asked Questions About the Rafa Nadal Slam Academy
When and where is the Rafa Nadal Slam Academy taking place? The anniversary exhibition is set for Saturday, October 3, 2026, on the central court of the Rafa Nadal Academy in Manacor, Mallorca.
Who is playing in the anniversary tournament? The event features two competing foursomes: Team Rafa, consisting of Rafael Nadal, Carlos Moyà, David Ferrer, and Richard Gasquet; and Team Murray, captained by Andy Murray alongside Dominic Thiem, Fabio Fognini, and Marat Safin.
What is the tournament match format?
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