Rafael Nadal vs Andy Murray in Rafa’s Academy Slam Exhibition
Tennis legends Rafael Nadal and Andy Murray, both retired from professional tennis in 2024, are confirmed to reunite for the Rafa Nadal Academy Slam on October 3, 2026, in Manacor, Mallorca. This highly anticipated exhibition will celebrate the academy's 10th anniversary, featuring Nadal playfully challenging Murray to captain opposing teams.
Tennis fans are buzzing with excitement as two titans of the sport, Rafael Nadal and Andy Murray, are confirmed to face each other on the court once more, albeit in a celebratory exhibition rather than a Grand Slam final. The highly anticipated 'Rafa Nadal Academy Slam' is scheduled for Saturday, October 3, 2026, marking the 10th anniversary of Nadal's prestigious academy. The Spaniard, who retired from professional tennis in November 2024, personally extended a playful challenge to Murray, who officially retired from professional tennis in 2024, via a social media video. This will be Nadal's first appearance before a crowd since his retirement. Rafael Nadal, Jannik Sinner Join Forces with Real Madrid’s Thibaut Courtois and Jude Bellingham for Bernabeu Exhibition Tennis Match (Watch Video).
Rafael Nadal and Andy Murray Set for First Tennis Clash in 10 Years
🇬🇧🇪🇸 Andy Murray will be one of the featured players during the exhibition at the Rafa Nadal Academy on October 3rd
The event celebrates the 10-year anniversary of the academy and will feature Rafa himself
📸 RNA pic.twitter.com/XkTPH3cBHI
— Olly Tennis 🎾 🇬🇧 (@Olly_Tennis_) September 23, 2026
A Friendly 'Call Out' and a Grand Reunion
Rafael Nadal, 40, who retired in November 2024, announced the special event and wasted no time in inviting his long-time rival, Andy Murray, 39, to participate. In a video message, Nadal jokingly referenced Murray's recent focus on golf, stating, "I know you've been practising a lot, almost like a professional. I can't practise as much as you, but I think I can still be competitive." He proposed a team competition, inviting Murray to bring his friends while Nadal brings his own, culminating in a 'golf match before the celebration' as well.
Murray, who retired in 2024 after a storied career, has largely stepped away from competitive tennis, even ruling out a Serena Williams-style comeback as recently as August 2026. He briefly coached Jack Draper during the 2026 grass-court season but has primarily dedicated his time to his family and pursuing golf, having significantly lowered his handicap. However, the allure of a reunion with Nadal proved irresistible, and the Scot has agreed to captain a team against Nadal's side.
The Rafa Nadal Academy Slam: Key Details
The Rafa Nadal Academy Slam will be a team event, pitting 'Team Rafa' against 'Team Murray'. The exhibition promises to be a nostalgic treat for fans, bringing together two members of the 'Big Four' who shared numerous memorable battles throughout their careers. Joe Salisbury Retires: Britain’s Most Decorated Men’s Doubles Player and 6-Time Grand Slam Champion Announces Tennis Retirement.
Event Details:
- What: Rafa Nadal Academy Slam (10th Anniversary Celebration)
- When: Saturday, October 3, 2026, 4:30 PM CEST (local time)
- Where: Rafa Nadal Academy, Manacor, Mallorca, Spain
- Format: Team exhibition match (Team Rafa vs. Team Murray)
This special event offers a unique opportunity to see two of tennis's most iconic figures, both now retired, share a court once again, celebrating a decade of the Rafa Nadal Academy and reigniting a storied rivalry in a friendly, yet undoubtedly competitive, atmosphere.
(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Sep 23, 2026 07:04 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).
