Thiem challenged Nadal at Exhibition

Former tennis superstar Rafael Nadal is back on court. To mark the tenth anniversary of the "Rafa Nadal Academy," the 22-time Grand Slam winner invited former tennis greats to an exhibition event in Manacor.

The field of participants in Spain was impressive, attracting more than 2,000 spectators to the training center of the former world number one.

Nadal vs. Murray

In a relaxed yet festive atmosphere, Team Nadal and Team Murray competed in the "Rafa Academy Slam."

For Rafael Nadal's team, in addition to the host, Carlos Moyá, David Ferrer, and Richard Gasquet took to the court. The quartet was challenged by Nadal's long-time rival Andy Murray, Marat Safin, Fabio Fognini, and Austria's superstar Dominic Thiem.

Austria's former world number one won his doubles match alongside team captain Murray against the Spanish duo Nadal & Ferrer with a score of 10:9.

Hasn't trained for almost two years

"Rafa" played his last match on the ATP Tour in November 2024. His return to the court after two years was a bit bumpy for the Spaniard.

"Honestly, when you haven't trained for almost two years, it's not that nice to be back on court," Nadal smiles. However, his team managed to win the exhibition despite the lack of routine.

Nadal doesn't rule out coaching

During a press conference, the Mallorcan also did not deny the possibility of seeing himself as a coach in the future.

"Who knows what will happen in five years," Nadal reveals. For now, however, he wants to focus entirely on his family.