Rafael Nadal to return to US courts for first time since retirement in Las Vegas exhibition

Monday, 26 October 2026 at 20:00

Rafael Nadal will return to the United States for the first time since retiring from professional tennis in November 2024, with the 22-time Grand Slam champion set to headline an exhibition in Las Vegas early next year.

Nadal will feature in The MGM Slam presented by Capital One at T-Mobile Arena on February 27, 2027, organizers announced Monday. The appearance will give American fans another opportunity to see the Spaniard on court more than two years after he brought his professional career to an end.

The 40-year-old last played in Las Vegas in 2024, when he faced fellow Spaniard Carlos Alcaraz in an exhibition during his final season on tour. Nadal retired later that year after a career that included 22 Grand Slam singles titles, among them a record 14 French Open crowns.

Since stepping away from professional tennis, Nadal has largely stayed out of the competitive spotlight, although he recently returned to the court to mark the 10th anniversary of his tennis academy in Manacor, Mallorca. His upcoming appearance will offer another chance to play in front of a live audience, this time without the demands of the professional tour.

Nadal set for Las Vegas return

Nadal reflected on the experience of playing in Las Vegas during his previous visit and explained how his perspective has changed since retiring. Although he is no longer competing professionally, the Spaniard stressed that his passion for tennis remains, with the exhibition offering a different way to reconnect with the sport and its fans.

“I remember how impressive it was to feel the energy of a full arena in a city like Las Vegas,” 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.”

Looking forward to being back on court in Las Vegas! See you on February 28 at The MGM Slam Presented by Capital One at T-Mobile Arena! Tickets go on sale this week. See you there! 🤗 https://t.co/dPR1L6scez
— Rafa Nadal (@RafaelNadal) October 26, 2026

Nadal also thanked MGM Resorts and Capital One for the invitation, describing the opportunity to return to T-Mobile Arena and face one of the sport’s leading current players as a chance to give something back to the fans who supported him throughout his career.

Further details about the exhibition, including the other players involved and the format, are expected to be announced in the coming weeks. Nadal’s opponent has not yet been confirmed.

The event is scheduled shortly before the BNP Paribas Open in Indian Wells, California, one of the major stops on the ATP Tour calendar. Last year’s edition featured eight players competing in a tiebreaker format, although organizers have yet to confirm whether the same format will be used in 2027.

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Nadal has already returned to the court once since retiring, taking part in an exhibition at the Rafa Nadal Academy in Manacor earlier this month to celebrate the facility’s 10th anniversary. The Spaniard captained Team Rafa to a 4-3 victory over Team Murray in a doubles contest featuring former rivals Andy Murray, Marat Safin, Dominic Thiem, David Ferrer, Carlos Moyá, Richard Gasquet and Fabio Fognini.

Nadal and Moyá secured the deciding point in doubles, allowing the former world No. 1 and 22-time Grand Slam champion to lift a trophy again in front of more than 2,000 spectators.

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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