Nadal says Las Vegas event will test body after pain-free retirement

Former world number one Rafa Nadal is relishing life after tennis, largely pain-free after years of injuries and discomfort. The 22-time Grand Slam champion, who retired two years ago, is currently enjoying a new chapter, traveling frequently, and managing work-life balance with his young children. Nadal, speaking from his home in Mallorca, Spain, acknowledged his concern about his physical condition after retirement but noted that he is mostly free of daily pain.

The opportunity to play in an exhibition match at the MGM Slam in Las Vegas, a venue he is familiar with, excites him as it will provide a test of his body's ability to handle rigorous preparation.

Nadal, who competed in the MGM Slam in 2024, where he faced Carlos Alcaraz, has yet to disclose the full field of players. However, he has not ruled out playing alongside or against his longtime rival and close friend, Roger Federer, or doubles with him. Nadal has high regard for young talents Alcaraz and Jannik Sinner, expressing his desire to see them compete more often.

He also praised American Ben Shelton's potential, although he acknowledged Shelton is not yet fully consistent. Nadal cautioned against comparing Alcaraz and Sinner's rivalry to his historic matches against Federer and Novak Djokovic, emphasizing that they need time to create their own legacy.

The retired tennis star raised concerns about the grueling nature of the current tennis calendar, particularly the number of mandatory tournaments and the prevalence of hardcourt events. He argued that players should have more flexibility to skip events without incurring a significant rankings penalty and suggested that tournaments after the US Open could be reduced or count towards the following season. Nadal will participate in the MGM Slam at the T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas on February 28.