5 takeaways from the Netflix Slam
The Netflix Slam was a spectacle in every way imaginable. The star-studded arena, players, and media personalities covering the event were the best of the best. It was a huge success. Here are five takeaways from the Netflix Slam.
Most importantly, Carlos Alcaraz and Rafael Nadal, both dealing with injury issues, played high-quality tennis. It was an exciting match, a tug-of-war between the two Spaniards. The best possible finish happened with the tight tiebreaker with Nadal fighting off five match points before Alcaraz won it on the sixth.
NETFLIX SLAM: Carlos Alcaraz wins 3-6, 6-4, 14-12 against Rafael Nadal
— Tennis Updates (@TennisUpdates24) March 3, 2024
That was fun, Netflix really nailed the production, and it felt bigger than most exhibitions usually do. Crowd was absolutely amazing as well.
I think Rafa used this as a warmup for Indian Wells, good level.
The magician from Mallorca 🪄@netflix @RafaelNadal #NetflixSlam
— Tennis TV (@TennisTV) March 3, 2024
pic.twitter.com/HWbzAjmraE
This was the Super Bowl of tennis. American tennis greats, Andre Agassi, Andy Roddick, and Jim Courier were on hand for the event. It was a generational mix of former players in USA tennis on the sidelines watching the Spanish generations duke it out on the court. Kay Adams did a great job hosting the event, approaching it like a superfan with which all of us could identify.
VIPs from all walks of life, including tennis, were there to watch
The VIPs were everywhere. Sports icons like Lindsey Vonn and Matthew Stafford. Actors Charlize Theron, Michael Douglas, and Catherine Zeta-Jones. David Grohl from the band Foo Fighters was also there.
Catherine Zeta-Jones, Pau Gasol, Michael Douglas, Charlize Theron, Colin Kaepernick, Lindsey Vonn, & Danai Gurira are in the house to watch Rafa Nadal & Carlos Alcaraz at the Netflix Slam.
— The Tennis Letter (@TheTennisLetter) March 3, 2024
Rafa & Carlitos bringing a lot of stars under one roof. ⭐️ pic.twitter.com/iflLXkRDa5
Netflix executives plan for it not to be a once-and-done live event. The ramifications of that are huge. Getting live professional tennis in front of more audiences who may not have Tennis Channel or tune into it regularly is a victory for the sport. The ATP and WTA Tours, players, and tournaments on the calendar win from the greater visibility of the sport on Netflix.
I love basically everything about the netflix slam. I don’t care about it being hyper american production-wise or a bit weird tennis standard-wise with both guys coming off injury and it only being an exho. Anytime tennis gets put in front of wider audiences is insanely important
— Matthew Willis (@mattracquet) March 3, 2024
The final takeaway from the Netflix Slam is one that is not unique to this event. That is lines call issues. This is a common theme in professional tennis, and it reared its head often in the deciding tiebreaker. Las Vegas is capable of so many superhuman and amazing sights and events; the fact that there was a technical problem that did not allow video footage of the one of the challenges in the tiebreaker is beyond belief.
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