Rafael Nadal Displays Vintage Form to Guide Team Rafa to 4-3 Exhibition Win Over Team Andy Murray

Rafael Nadal, arguably the greatest clay-court player of all time, defied nearly two years of retirement to headline a star-studded exhibition event at his academy yesterday, leading Team Rafa to a memorable 4-3 triumph over a formidable Team Murray. The "Rafa Nadal Academy Slam," held to celebrate a decade since the academy's inception, treated over 2,000 spectators to an afternoon brimming with nostalgia, competitive spirit, and classic tennis flair as Nadal, 40, marked his return to the court. Japan Open 2026: Carlos Alcaraz Advances Into Semifinals After Denis Shapovalov Retires Due to Injury

Team Rafa Beats Team Murray

TEAM RAFA TAKES THE TITLE! 🏆

Rafa Nadal and Carlos Moyà win the deciding point against Andy Murray and Fabio Fognini to clinch the Rafa Nadal Academy Slam for Team Rafa, 4-3!

What a finish to our 10th anniversary celebration. VAMOS! https://t.co/Dq3dLIbCHk

— Rafa Nadal Academy (@rnadalacademy) October 3, 2026

A Nostalgic Return: Details of the Rafa Nadal Academy Slam

The special exhibition took place on Saturday, October 3, 2026, at the Rafa Nadal Academy in Manacor, Mallorca, Spain. The event served as a heartfelt celebration of the academy's 10th anniversary, bringing together a roster of tennis legends to delight the home crowd. It was a rare opportunity to see Nadal compete again, his first appearance in a competitive-looking tennis setting since his official retirement in November 2024.

Team Lineups and Format

The exhibition featured an engaging team format, with Rafael Nadal captaining his own side against a team led by his long-time rival, Andy Murray, 39. The eight legends were divided into two formidable teams, competing exclusively in doubles matches. Each match was decided by a 10-point super tie-break, ensuring rapid-fire action and high stakes in every contest. A deciding 5-point tie-break was implemented should the teams be level after six matches.

Team Rafa:

• Rafael Nadal (Captain)
• Carlos Moyà
• David Ferrer
• Richard Gasquet

Team Murray:

• Andy Murray (Captain)
• Marat Safin
• Dominic Thiem
• Fabio Fognini

Match Highlights and Decisive Moments

The afternoon was a back-and-forth affair, with neither team able to establish a dominant lead. Team Rafa made a strong start with Carlos Moyà and Richard Gasquet securing a 10-9 victory over Marat Safin and Fabio Fognini. However, Team Murray quickly levelled as Andy Murray and Dominic Thiem edged out Nadal and David Ferrer 10-9. The momentum shifted between the sides, highlighted by Nadal's commanding performance alongside Gasquet, where they delivered a resounding 10-0 victory against Murray and Safin. After six intense doubles matches, the teams were tied at 3-3. The overall winner was then decided by a special 5-point tie-break, as per the event rules. In the decisive showdown, Rafael Nadal and Carlos Moyà faced off against Andy Murray and Fabio Fognini. It was Nadal and Moyà who held their nerve, clinching a 7-5 victory in the final tie-break to secure the overall 4-3 win for Team Rafa. China Open 2026: Aryna Sabalenka Knocked Out by Qualifier Nikola Bartunkova.

Voices from the Court

Following his team's triumph, a jovial Rafael Nadal playfully teased his long-time friend and rival. “Perhaps next time we can hold a golf event, so you'll (Murray) have a chance,” Nadal quipped during the awards ceremony, adding, “I know you're practising a lot, quite a bit more than I am, so perhaps the next Nadal Academy Slam can be golf.” Murray, in turn, expressed his gratitude for the opportunity to play at the special event and indicated his desire to return for future celebrations.

The Rafa Nadal Academy Slam delivered a perfect blend of competitive doubles and cherished memories, reaffirming the enduring appeal of these tennis legends. Fans were left with a powerful reminder of Nadal's timeless talent and the camaraderie that defines an unforgettable era of tennis.

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Oct 04, 2026 05:45 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).