Is Roger Federer playing in the ‘Rafa Nadal Academy Slam’

The Rafa Nadal Academy 10th anniversary celebration is occurring on October 3 in Mallorca.

Part of the celebration features the "Rafa Nadal Academy Slam" exhibition team event consisting of two captains and three additional players per team.

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Andy Murray and Nadal are the captains. It has been a slow reveal of the players, but we now have the final list. Tennis fans were curious if Roger Federer, fresh off his attendance at the Laver Cup in London, would come to Spain to play. We now know the answer, and it's not a satisfying one for many.

MORE: 'Rafa Nadal Academy Slam' adds two players to legendary roster

Team Murray

May 25, 2025; Paris, FR; Roger Federer of Switzerland, Novak Djokovic of Serbia and Andy Murray of Great Britain with Rafael Nadal of Spain during the presentation ceremony paying tribute to the career of Rafael Nadal of Spain on a packed Court Philippe Chatrier Courtday on day one at Roland Garros Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Susan Mullane-Imagn Images

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Murray's team consists of Dominic Thiem, Marat Safin, and Fabio Fognini.

Safin is the oldest player of the team while Murray, Thiem, and Fognini are in their late 30s.

MORE: Rafael Nadal invites first legend to play with him in 'Rafa Nadal Academy Slam'

Team Rafa does not have Federer on it

Nadal's team consists of Richard Gasquet, David Ferrer, and Carlos Moya.

The Spanish connection of Ferrer and Nadal's former coach Moya is not surprising.

However, fans expected that Federer would play in this event.

He has visited the Rafa Nadal Academy often over the years and assisted with events.

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Nadal is playing so that's what is most important

This event will have plenty of eyes on it because Nadal is playing. He has been training for his return to the court. Fans miss him so getting the opportunity to watch him again will be great.

Spanish fans who did not get tickets to the sold out event will be able to watch on television on Movistar Plus. It is unclear if Tennis Channel will acquire either live or replay broadcast rights.

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