The Rafa Nadal Academy Slam is bringing together some of the biggest names from different generations of men’s tennis.
The special exhibition in Manacor, Mallorca, is part of the Rafa Nadal Academy’s 10th anniversary celebrations and will see Rafael Nadal return to the court alongside several familiar faces. Opposing him will be another former world No. 1 in Andy Murray, who has assembled a star-studded team of his own.
With four players on each side, here is a closer look at the two teams taking part in the Rafa Nadal Academy Slam.
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Rafael Nadal’s team at the Rafa Nadal Academy Slam
Rafael Nadal is naturally the centerpiece of Team Rafa. The 22-time Grand Slam champion and founder of the academy is returning to the court for the first time since his retirement from professional tennis in 2024. Nadal’s last competitive appearance came at the 2024 Davis Cup Finals in Malaga.
Carlos Moyá will join Nadal on Team Rafa. The former world No. 1 and 1998 French Open champion has a long history with Nadal, having served as his coach for several years. Moyá brings plenty of experience to a team filled with former champions.
David Ferrer is another familiar name on Nadal’s side. The former world No. 3 was one of the leading Spanish players of his generation and enjoyed a long rivalry and friendship with Nadal during his playing career. Ferrer is now the captain of the Spanish Davis Cup team.
Richard Gasquet completes Team Rafa. The Frenchman was one of the most recognizable players of his generation and built a reputation around his spectacular one-handed backhand. Gasquet and Nadal also shared plenty of memorable battles during their careers.
Team Rafa therefore brings together four players with an extensive history at the highest level of the sport, led by Nadal in his long-awaited return to the court.
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