The ‘Netflix Slam’ in Las Vegas on Sunday is set to feature Rafael Nadal and Carlos Alcaraz, two of the top tennis players in the world, who are reportedly expected to earn large sums of money for taking part in the celebrity-filled competition.
After suffering an injury that kept him out of action during the Australian Open in January, Nadal was forced to retire from an ATP Tour event in Qatar last month. There were concerns that Alcaraz could need to be replaced for the sold-out event in Las Vegas after he sustained an ankle injury in a tournament in Rio.
However, it seems that the two Spanish players are fit enough to participate in what is being considered a test run for Netflix as they consider adding additional live sporting events to their lineup.
Alcaraz told Netflix earlier: “I’m honored and so happy to be sharing the court with Rafa in Las Vegas. He’s an all-time great, of course, and his records and achievements speak for themselves.”
Nadal also stated: “I’m very excited for my first visit to Las Vegas. 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.”
Rafael Nadal in 2024
Now the world no.654, Rafael played his last match on the 5th of January when he capitulated to world no.32 Jordan Thompson 5-7 7-6(6) 6-3
in the quarter in Brisbane (draw).Currently, during this season Rafael has an overall 2-1 record.
He is also scheduled to play in Indian Wells (BNP Paribas Open) on the 6th of March and Barcelona (Barcelona Open Banc Sabadell) on the 15th of April.
Carlos Alcaraz in 2024
Ranked world no.2, Alcaraz played his last match on the 20th of February when he had to retire when playing against world no.102 Thiago Moura Monteiro in the 1st round and the scoreline was 1-1 .
Presently, during this year Carlos has achieved a 6-3 match record. Carlos Alcaraz’s best result of this year was reaching the semifinal in Buenos Aires.
Alcaraz will play next in Indian Wells (BNP Paribas Open). He will start the tournament from the main draw that will commence on the 4th of March.
Rafael Nadal and Carlos Alcaraz fought against each other 3 times. Their actual head to head record is 2-1 for Nadal. Previously, the last time they locked horns, Carlos Alcaraz won 6-2 1-6 6-3 in the quarter in Madrid (Mutua Madrid Open) in May 2022.
Here are the highlights.