Another former No. 1 joins Rafael Nadal and Andy Murray as star-studded exhibition takes shape
ATPMonday, 28 September 2026 at 06:30
Another former world No. 1 has joined the growing cast of the Rafa Nadal Academy Slam, adding another Grand Slam champion to an exhibition already bringing together some of the biggest names of the past two decades. The latest addition will join Andy Murray's team for the special doubles event at the Rafa Nadal Academy in Manacor on October 3.
The mystery name is Marat Safin, the former Russian world No. 1 who won two Grand Slam singles titles and was part of two Davis Cup-winning teams during his career. Safin will line up alongside Murray and Dominic Thiem as part of Team Murray, which will face Team Rafa, led by Rafael Nadal.
The announcement adds another major name to an event that has been building its line-up steadily in recent days. Murray's participation against Nadal at the academy made headlines earlier this week, before former US Open champion Thiem and former world No. 7 Richard Gasquet were also confirmed for the exhibition.
Safin's addition now gives the Rafa Nadal Academy Slam another former world No. 1 and two-time major champion, strengthening the nostalgic appeal of an event designed to celebrate the academy's 10th anniversary. The exhibition will bring together four players who have occupied prominent positions in the men's game, with Murray and Safin leading one side and Nadal and Gasquet representing the other.
Safin joins Murray and Thiem on Team Murray
Safin brings a remarkable résumé to the exhibition, having reached world No. 1 in 2000 and won two Grand Slam singles titles. His first came at the 2000 US Open, where he defeated Pete Sampras in the final, before adding the Australian Open crown in 2005 by beating Lleyton Hewitt in Melbourne.
The Russian also enjoyed success with his country, helping Russia win the Davis Cup in 2002 and 2006. His career was later affected by injuries, but he remained one of the most recognisable players of his generation and a familiar presence at the biggest tournaments of the 2000s.
His appearance in Manacor will therefore bring another former No. 1 and multiple Grand Slam champion back onto the court, adding a different generation of star power to an event already featuring several major names from the modern era.
A former World No. 1️⃣ joins Team Murray!
— Rafa Nadal Academy (@rnadalacademy) September 27, 2026
🚨 Marat Safin will be part of the Rafa Nadal Academy Slam!
A two-time Grand Slam 🏆 and one of the most iconic players of his generation, Safin is ready to be back on court in Mallorca. 🔥🎾
🗓️ 3 October
👉🏻 https://t.co/ZpnHBGPHxo pic.twitter.com/3IREgtKacG
Rafa Nadal Academy prepares for 10th anniversary
The Rafa Nadal Academy Slam will take place on Saturday, October 3, in Manacor, Mallorca, as part of the celebrations for the academy's 10th anniversary. Opened in 2016, the facility has grown into an international tennis centre combining high-performance training with programmes for young players, families and visiting tennis fans.
Read also
The exhibition will see Andy Murray captain one side against Rafael Nadal, with Dominic Thiem and Safin joining Murray's team and Richard Gasquet representing Team Rafa alongside Nadal. The line-up brings together players from different stages of the same era, including former world No. 1s, Grand Slam champions and long-time rivals.
For Nadal's academy, the occasion will provide a fitting way to mark a decade since its opening, with several players who defined men's tennis over the past 20 years gathering in Manacor for a special anniversary event.
Cristhián AvilaTennis Journalist
Cristhián Ávila is a tennis journalist based in Santiago, Chile, and has been part of the TennisUpToDate team since early 2023. He covers the ATP and WTA Tours as well as all four Grand Slams, producing breaking news, match reports, analysis, and regular liveblogs from major tournaments.
His reporting combines statistical analysis with clear explanation, helping readers understand tactical developments, player form, and broader storylines across the tour. Working fluently in both Spanish and English, Cristhián collaborates with an international editorial team and contributes to comprehensive global coverage. As part of his work, he has conducted interviews and media interactions with leading figures in the sport, including Caroline Wozniacki and John McEnroe.
In his journalism, Cristhián places strong emphasis on careful sourcing, editorial accuracy, and updating articles promptly when new, verified information becomes available. His coverage is grounded in research, context, and direct engagement with professional tennis.
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