Richard Gasquet Named to Team Rafa for Rafa Nadal Academy 10th Anniversary Slam

Team Rafa Prepares for the Academy Slam

Gasquet will compete on Team Rafa, which is set to face Team Murray, captained by Andy Murray. While the full rosters for both sides are being revealed progressively ahead of the event, Gasquet’s inclusion is the first major player announcement for the milestone celebration at the academy grounds.

A Rivalry and Friendship Dating Back to Childhood

The pairing carries a strong emotional resonance for Nadal, given the long-standing relationship between the two players. Both were identified early in their youth as standout talents of their generation, and their paths intersected long before they reached the ATP Tour. One of their earliest notable meetings took place at the Les Petits As tournament when both players were just 12 years old. That junior encounter preceded more than two decades of competing against each other at the highest levels of professional tennis.

An Illustrious Career on the ATP Tour

Gasquet concluded his professional career holding 16 ATP singles titles and reaching a career-high ranking of No. 7 in the world. His résumé includes a Davis Cup championship won with France in 2017, an Olympic bronze medal in men’s doubles at the 2012 London Olympic Games, and three appearances in Grand Slam tournament semifinals. Over the course of his career, the French veteran accumulated more than 600 match victories on the professional circuit.

Event Details and What Comes Next

The Rafa Nadal Academy Slam will take place on Saturday, October 3, at the academy facility in Manacor, combining tennis competition with anniversary celebrations. Organizers are expected to announce the remaining members of Team Rafa and Team Murray in the lead-up to the exhibition day.