Rivals reunited: Andy Murray set for one time return to action against Rafael Nadal in new concept

Wednesday, 23 September 2026 at 13:20

Andy Murray, like Rafael Nadal, is now retired, and while Murray, unlike Nadal, has shown signs of wanting to coach, he has for the most part stuck to retirement and a life away from tennis. That is until now (of sorts).

Murray will return to the court for this one-time as he forms his own team to take on his long-time rival in Team Rafa v Team Murray on October 3rd.

Murray will captain a side as part of Rafael Nadal's 10th anniversary celebrations, which see Nadal return to the court for a series of exhibition matches, including no doubt now against Murray and some other familiar faces likely to join Nadal and Murray.

“I know you’ve been practising a lot, almost like a professional. I can’t practise as much as you, but I think I can still be competitive," joked Nadal in the video.

He then floated the idea to Murray. “Maybe you can bring some of your friends, and I can bring some of mine, and we can have a team competition here at the Academy to celebrate the 10th Anniversary.”

🇬🇧🇪🇸 Andy Murray will be one of the featured players during the exhibition at the Rafa Nadal Academy on October 3rd

The event celebrates the 10-year anniversary of the academy and will feature Rafa himself

📸 RNA pic.twitter.com/sWVn9XQ4gM
— Olly Tennis 🎾 🇬🇧 (@Olly_Tennis_) September 23, 2026

Murray has a long history with Nadal and his academy

“It would be fantastic for everyone here at the Academy to welcome you back,” Rafa concludes. Murray has been back training at the Academy in July in Greece as opposed to Manacor in a lovely surprise and one where it showed the bond still between the now ex-rivals.

He has also been at the Academy before during his comeback after miraculous hip surgery to play in the Rafael Nadal Open. He will serve as a captain this time, bringing back two of the generation's best together one more time.

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They will meet in court again, surprisingly, for the first time in 10 years. That came in the semi-finals of the Mutua Madrid Open. Throughout their careers, they have had many numerous battles, and Murray simply responded, 'I'm in.' Also including a golf emoji, so no doubt it will both be on court play and golf together off it, with both enjoying the sport.

Samuel GillEditor-in-Chief

Samuel Gill is the Chief Content Officer (CCO) of TennisUpToDate.com, a role he has held since 2020. He is responsible for editorial governance across the platform, including setting content standards, overseeing accuracy and consistency, and guiding long-term editorial strategy. Since joining, he has contributed more than 10,000 articles and editorial pieces across the TennisUpToDate network, playing a central role in the daily operation and development of the site.

Based in Leicester, Samuel has a broad background in tennis media. In his current role, he works closely with editors and writers to ensure coverage meets clear journalistic standards, with particular attention to verification, consistency, and timely updates when new information becomes available.

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