Rafael Nadal to return to court for academy anniversary exhibition

Rafael Nadal will return to the tennis court on October 3, 2026, to participate in a series of exhibition matches titled the ‘Rafa Nadal Academy Slam’. The event marks the tenth anniversary of the Rafa Nadal Academy in his hometown of Manacor, Mallorca.

This will be Nadal’s first appearance before a live audience since his professional retirement in November 2024 following the Davis Cup Finals in Malaga. The exhibition matches will feature the 22-time Grand Slam champion playing alongside former rivals and friends, though specific participants are yet to be fully disclosed.

The academy, founded in 2016, focuses on combining athletic training with academic studies. The event will be broadcast live on Movistar Plus. Due to the capacity of the Academy’s Centre Court, ticket availability is expected to be limited.