Rafael Nadal to play in Las Vegas exhibition in February for 1st US action since retirement

Rafael Nadal, the 22-time Grand Slam champion, ahead of his return to the U.S. for a Las Vegas tennis exhibition | Photo Credit: AP

Nadal’s appearance in a tennis exhibition Las Vegas early next year will be his first on a U.S. court since he retired two years ago.

The 22-time Grand Slam champion will headline “The MGM Slam presented by Capital One” at T-Mobile Arena on February 27, organizers announced Monday.

Nadal previously played a Vegas exhibition against Carlos Alcaraz in 2024, during his last year on tour.

“I remember how impressive it was to feel the energy of a full arena in a city like Las Vegas,” the 40-year-old Nadal said. “Now I return in 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.”

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Organizers will reveal the format and the other players taking part in the coming weeks. The exhibition is scheduled for just ahead of the ATP 1000 tournament in Indian Wells, California. Last year’s edition featured eight players competing in a tiebreaker format.