Former World No. 1 and three-time Grand Slam champion Andy Murray will lead his team in a competition against Rafa Nadal’s side on October 3 at the Rafa Nadal Academy in Manacor. This event is part of the Academy's 10th Anniversary celebrations, as confirmed by Nadal in a video posted on the Academy's social media channels.
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In the video, Nadal invites Murray back to Mallorca, joking about their differing practice routines. Nadal proposed that they organize a team competition to celebrate the milestone, saying, "Maybe you can bring some of your friends and I can bring some of mine... it would be fantastic for everyone here at the Academy to welcome you back."
This marks Murray's third visit to the Academy; he first came in 2016 for training and then returned in 2019 for the Rafa Nadal Open. He will head Team Murray, facing off against Team Rafa in what promises to be a notable reunion of two figures from a prominent era in tennis. Their last match took place over a decade ago in the 2016 Mutua Madrid Open semi-finals.
The Rafa Nadal Academy Slam aims to celebrate the Academy's first ten years of operation, having opened in Manacor in 2016. The event will welcome participants and fans worldwide, showcasing the values integral to the Academy’s philosophy.
Doors will open at 2:30 PM, featuring food, activities, and entertainment. From 4:00 PM, there will be exhibitions, challenges, and special guests, leading to the main event at 5:00 PM, where Nadal and Murray will return to the court. Following the tennis, celebrations will continue with food trucks and live entertainment until midnight, culminating in a performance by a yet-to-be-announced international artist.
This exhibition not only celebrates the Academy's achievements but also provides the first chance to see Rafa Nadal play in front of a crowd since his professional retirement in November 2024. The Academy has expanded internationally over the past decade, with eight centres worldwide, continuing to inspire and develop future tennis talent.