Rafael Nadal, the tennis icon, is set to mark his return to competitive play after a year of absence due to a hip injury sustained at the Australian Open. The eagerly awaited comeback is scheduled to commence at the Brisbane International starting on December 31, signaling Nadal’s intention to resume his full tournament schedule.
One of the notable events in Nadal’s anticipated return is an exhibition match against Carlos Alcaraz. Scheduled to take place in Las Vegas on March 3, the match, titled “The Netflix Slam,” holds significance as a symbolic contest between the two players. Their last encounter occurred at the Madrid Open in 2022, where Alcaraz secured his first victory in their three meetings.
Originally planned for 2023 but postponed due to Nadal’s injury, this exhibition match signifies his intention to re-engage with the competitive circuit. While considered an exhibition, it underscores Nadal’s determination to participate in various tournaments as part of his return to professional tennis following his year-long hiatus.
Rafael Nadal. Carlos Alcaraz. Two tennis superstars. One epic matchup served LIVE on Netflix.
The Netflix Slam 🎾 March 3 pic.twitter.com/Biri3BuF8L
— Netflix (@netflix) December 11, 2023
The strategic timing of the exhibition, scheduled just before the Indian Wells Masters 1000 event, hints at Nadal’s commitment to including the prestigious tournament in his upcoming schedule. The proximity of the match to the Indian Wells event implies Nadal’s intention to compete in the tournament, a customary fixture on his agenda.
As Nadal prepares to step back onto the court, fans and the tennis world eagerly await his return. His participation in the Brisbane International, followed by the scheduled exhibition against Alcaraz and the potential inclusion in the Indian Wells Masters, signifies Nadal’s resurgence and eagerness to reignite his illustrious career after a challenging period of injury-induced absence.
Carlos Alcaraz in 2023
WLWLLWLWWW Currently the world no.2, Carlos played his last match on the 18th of November when he was defeated by world no.1 Novak Djokovic 6-3 6-2 in the semifinal in the Nitto ATP Finals (draw).
Until now, during this year Carlos achieved a compiled 65-12 record. Carlos clinched 6 titles in 2023 in Buenos Aires, Indian Wells, Barcelona, Madrid, London and Wimbledon. Carlos was the finalist in Rio de Janeiro and Cincinnati.
Rafael Nadal in 2023
Now the world no.668, Nadal played his last match on the 18th of January when he lost to world no.41 Mackenzie Mcdonald 6-4 6-4 7-5 in the 2nd round of the Australian Open (draw).
At the moment, during this season the Spaniard achieved a compiled 1-3 match record.
Carlos Alcaraz and Rafael Nadal fought against each other 3 times. Their current record is 2-1 for Nadal. The last time they played each other, Carlos Alcaraz won 6-2 1-6 6-3 in the quarter in Madrid (Mutua Madrid Open) in May 2022.
Here the video highlights.
Carlos Alcaraz and Rafael Nadal |
| Embed from Getty Images |
