Former World No. 1 and 22-time Grand Slam champion, Rafael Nadal is all set to get back to competitive tennis at the Brisbane International, which serves as a warm-up event to the first Grand Slam of the year, Australian Open. The 37-year-old Spaniard took to social media to confirm his return in a video where the ace player said, “After a year away from competition, it’s time to come back”.
It was at AO2022 that Nadal sustained a hip injury in his second-round loss to Mackenzie McDonald. Soon after he halted his season after just four matches, ruling him out of the next three majors and the rest of the year. However, with his comeback to professional tennis being one of the key factors, Netflix has opened up on an exhibition match which will see two stars from Spain square off.
The fixture’s broadcaster and organisers, Netflix on Monday, 11 December revealed that Nadal will face World No. 2 Carlos Alcaraz in an exhibition match in Las Vegas. Netflix, the video streaming service revealed the details of the now much-hyped face off with the caption reading, “Rafael Nadal. Carlos Alcaraz. Two tennis superstars. One epic matchup served LIVE on Netflix. The Netflix Slam � March 3”.
The match between the Spanish compatriots will be played at the Michelob Ultra Arena at the Mandalay Bay Resort. Speaking after this announcement, the World No. 663 said, “I’m very excited for my first visit to Las Vegas, one of the most iconic and entertaining cities in the world.”
“I’m also very excited to be playing with my fellow countryman Carlos Alcaraz. I am sure it will be a fantastic night of tennis,” the 37-year-old further added. On the other hand, the Wimbledon 2023 champion also showed excitement to share the court with Nadal. “I’m honoured and so happy to be sharing the court with Rafa in Las Vegas,” he said.