Rafael Nadal Returns from Retirement: MGM Slam in Las Vegas
Rafael Nadal will play his first official exhibition since ending his professional career in 2024, on February 28, 2027, at T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas. MGM Resorts has announced the event, but the other participants and the format have not yet been disclosed.
Former world number one Rafael Nadal is returning to the racket for the first time since his retirement. In a statement on Monday, October 26, MGM Resorts said Nadal will be one of the headline names at the MGM Slam, to be held at T-Mobile Arena on February 28, 2027. The other participants and the tournament format have not yet been announced.
During his career, Nadal won 22 Grand Slam singles titles. Fourteen of them came at the French Open, a record for the men's game. The Spaniard battled injuries for much of his later career and said goodbye to professional tennis in November 2024.
Nadal's most recent appearance in Las Vegas came in March 2024 at T-Mobile Arena, where he faced fellow Spaniard Carlos Alcaraz in an exhibition match. That contest was streamed on Netflix and sold out. Since retiring, Nadal has stayed in the public eye mainly through business ventures, his tennis academy and occasional public appearances.
The main question is whether this comeback will be a one-off exhibition or the start of paid appearances after retirement. MGM Resorts did not disclose Nadal's appearance fee.
Ticket sales
Tickets go on general sale Friday, October 30, at 10:00 a.m. Pacific Time through AXS.com. Presale for MGM Rewards and AXS members begins October 27 at the same time.
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