Carlos Alcaraz and Rafael Nadal to have a little fun in ‘The Netflix Slam’

Netflix, the streaming giant that aims to rule the world, really wants to make its mark on the world of sports. They already do fantastic documentaries such as Point Break, Drive to Survive, and Quarterback. In November, Netflix held its first in-house live sporting event called The Netflix Cup, which involved golf. But announced on Monday was that Netflix will hold a second live sports event called The Netflix Slam featuring Carlos Alcaraz and Rafael Nadal.

The event will be held at Michelob ULTRA Arena at Mandalay Bay Resort and Casino in Las Vegas, Nevada on March 3, 2024. Ad-free subscribers to Netflix can watch the event, well…live. Featuring potentially all-time great, yet still young Carlos Alcaraz versus aging but clear all-time great Rafael Nadal is genius.

Maybe Netflix is simply trying to grow its market in Spain. Can you imagine how big the ratings will be to watch Alcaraz and Nadal? This is especially true as Nadal will still be working his way back from an injury that cost him nearly all of his 2023 season.

Carlos Alcaraz and Rafael Nadal to play in The Netflix Slam

Carlos Alcaraz and Rafael Nadal have played each other three times on the ATP tour with Nadal winning twice. Alcaraz won the last matchup, but the two have not played since 2022. There is a decent chance that The Netflix Slam might also be the first time the players meet since 2022.

We do not know in what form Nadal will be immediately into his return. His former coach, and uncle, Toni Nadal has stressed that while Nadal is returning, the key is not to win, but simply to be in good shape, play hard, try hard, and not get hurt again. That doesn’t sound like the words one would speak about a player you might expect to win a few more Grand Slams.

Tickets for the event will go on sale on December 15 and will start at a hefty $88. Both players are doing their best to sell the event as well.

Carlos Alcaraz said, “I’m honored and so happy to be sharing the court with Rafa in Las Vegas. He’s an all-time great, of course, and his records and achievements speak for themselves. Rafa also is one of the nicest guys on Tour and I look forward to our match on March 3.”

While Rafael Nadal added, “I’m very excited for my first visit to Las Vegas, one of the most iconic and entertaining cities in the world. I’m also very excited to be playing with my fellow countryman Carlos Alcaraz. I am sure it will be a fantastic night of tennis.”

Let’s just hope neither player gets hurt in The Netflix Slam. The event basically is held to make Netflix money and Alcaraz and Nadal should get paid pretty well too. But tennis fans likely want to see them in real matches instead of exhibitions.