Rafael Nadal returns for Vegas hard-court event
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The 40-year-old Spanish left-hander will compete in The MGM Slam on Feb 28, 2027, at T-Mobile Arena.
PHOTO: REUTERS
- Rafael Nadal will return to hardcourt tennis in a one-night Las Vegas exhibition, “The MGM Slam”, on 28 February 2027 at T-Mobile Arena.
- The 40-year-old Spaniard, who won 22 Grand Slam titles and a record 14 French Opens, said he still loves competing and feels the same passion.
- Other players and the format will be announced later. Nadal also said he remembers “how impressive” the Las Vegas crowd felt and returns “without the pressure of the tour”.
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LOS ANGELES – Rafael Nadal will return to hard-court competition for the first time since his retirement in November 2024 in a one-night Las Vegas exhibition event in February 2027, organisers announced on Oct 26.
The 40-year-old Spanish left-hander who won 22 Grand Slam singles titles will compete in The MGM Slam on Feb 28, 2027, at T-Mobile Arena.
Other players and a format for the event will be disclosed later.
Nadal, winner of a record 14 French Open singles titles, makes a hard-court return in Vegas after playing in an exhibition event at his academy in Spain earlier in October.
He played a 2024 match in Las Vegas against countryman Carlos Alcaraz.
“I remember how impressive it was to feel the energy of a full arena in a city like Las Vegas,” Nadal said.
“Now I return at a different stage of my life, without the pressure of the tour but with the same passion for this sport. I have always loved competing, and even if my professional career is finished, that feeling never really goes away.”
Earlier in 2026, eight ATP Tour stars played in a Vegas event where they competed in a 10-point tie-breaker format – with Brazilian teen Joao Fonseca winning the title. AFP