‘Rafa Nadal Academy Slam’ adds two players to legendary roster

To celebrate the 10th anniversary of his Rafa Nadal Academy, Rafael Nadal is organizing a 'Rafa Nadal Academy Slam' tennis exhibition to be played on Oct. 3 in Spain.

The intrigue around this event has been intense. Initially, Nadal was the only player announced with seven additional slots available.

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This will be a team event with captains Nadal and the recently added Andy Murray in those spots. We have now learned the names of Nadal's and Murray's first teammates.

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

Team Rafa adds Richard Gasquet

Jul 31, 2024; Paris, France; Rafael Nadal (ESP) waves to the crowd after losing to Austin Krajicek and Rajeev Ram (USA) in a men's doubles quarterfinal tennis match during the Paris 2024 Olympic Summer Games at Stade Roland Garros. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images | Kirby Lee-Imagn Images

Forty-year-old retired French tennis player Richard Gasquet is on Nadal's team.

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He is a former ATP World No. 7 with 16 career ATP titles.

Gasquet was a frequent Nadal foe over their careers, beginning as 12-year-old rising stars of the sport.

MORE: Rafael Nadal is training for top-secret 'Rafa Nadal Academy Slam'

Team Murray adds Dominic Thiem

Retired Austrian Dominic Thiem is on Murray's team.

The 33-year-old is a former ATP World No. 3 with 17 ATP title wins, including the 2020 US Open. In that final, Thiem came back from two sets down to defeat Alexander Zverev.

Commentators at this year's US Open mentioned Thiem in reference to the debilitating wrist injury that cut his career short. Similar concerns surrounded Carlos Alcaraz's injury.

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Nadal to fill 4 more spots

Each team needs two more players.

Fans are hoping Roger Federer will be on Nadal's team, but we will have to wait and see if the "Fedal" dream team comes to fruition.

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