Rafael Nadal has left open the possibility of playing future exhibition tennis matches after returning to the court at his academy in Mallorca for a special anniversary event, where he captained a team to a 4-3 victory. The 40-year-old Spaniard competed in the Rafa Nadal Academy Slam in Manacor, marking his first appearance in a match since retiring from professional tennis at the 2024 Davis Cup Finals in Málaga.
The Exhibition Return in Mallorca
Nadal stepped back onto a tennis court for the first time in nearly two years during the celebration marking the tenth anniversary of the Rafa Nadal Academy. He served as captain for Team Rafa, sharing the side with Carlos Moyá, David Ferrer, and Richard Gasquet. Across the net stood a team led by Andy Murray alongside Dominic Thiem, Marat Safin, and Fabio Fognini. Team Rafa edged the contest 4-3 in a relaxed format that featured lighthearted moments among the veteran champions. Despite the festive atmosphere, Nadal admitted that returning to competition without regular training posed immediate physical challenges.
Nadal Finds Exhibition Match Preparation Burdensome
Speaking to the COPE program El Partidazo after the event, Nadal addressed whether fans might see him in similar exhibitions down the road. “Well, time will tell,” Nadal said, before adding that he believes he will play more exhibition matches eventually. He noted that the preparation required for even a single exhibition is somewhat cumbersome. “I would like to do it, although all the preparation process is a bit burdensome, because to play an exhibition you have to prepare. So I hope my body allows me to train when the time comes. It is a step I have to take and I suppose I will do it, but for now I am enjoying living in the present.” Nadal explained that he had completed only a minimal number of training sessions ahead of the academy tournament, noting that movement on the court proved difficult after a prolonged absence from competitive play. “When you don’t train for almost two years, to be honest, returning to the court is not very pleasant,” Nadal said, pointing out that his main hurdle was arriving late to the ball.
Reflections on Retirement and Closing the Professional Chapter
The exhibition appearance comes after Nadal repeatedly emphasized that his professional career is definitively finished. The winner of 22 Grand Slam titles, including 14 French Open crowns, retired following Spain’s Davis Cup defeat to the Netherlands in November 2024, where he lost his singles match to Botic van de Zandschulp. Earlier this year, Nadal stated that he feels entirely comfortable with his decision to step away from the ATP Tour, where he won 92 singles titles and spent 209 weeks at world number one. “Honestly, today I can say that I don’t miss it because I know that is no longer my place,” Nadal declared in June. Hip injuries, which required surgery in 2023, ultimately forced the end of his professional journey. Since stepping away, Nadal has dedicated his time to his family, his academy in Manacor, and various personal projects, admitting that he has barely picked up a racket for serious play since his retirement in Málaga.
Nadal Considers Potential Exhibition Match Against Federer
Discussions have previously touched upon a potential exhibition match against Roger Federer, with both players and family members expressing openness to the idea for charitable initiatives. Nadal currently maintains no confirmed dates for his next court appearance, stressing that his physical condition and willingness to undergo the necessary training will dictate any future participation.
More on Rafael Nadal
Worth a look
