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Nadal Returns for Aus Open 'Night of Legends' with Barty and Alcott

Rafael Nadal will make a special appearance at the Australian Open's Night of Legends on February 1. He will be joined by retired Australian champions Ashleigh Barty and wheelchair tennis legend Dylan Alcott. Nadal, a two-time champion in Melbourne, is celebrated for his epic 2022 final comeback against Daniil Medvedev. The event follows a similar tribute last year featuring Roger Federer.

Key Points: Rafael Nadal Returns for Australian Open Night of Legends

  • Nadal's special return post-retirement
  • Event coincides with men's singles final
  • Features Aussie icons Barty and Alcott
  • Celebrates Nadal's 2009 & 2022 titles
  • Follows Federer's 2024 appearance
2 min read

Nadal to make Aus Open return for 'Night of Legends' with Ash Barty and Scott Dylon

Rafael Nadal joins Ash Barty and Dylan Alcott for a special Australian Open exhibition on February 1, the day of the men's final.

"Nadal mounted an epic comeback from two sets to love down against Daniil Medvedev to reign victorious after a five-hour, 24-minute battle. - ATP Win/Loss Index"

Melbourne, Jan 19

The 22-time Grand Slam champion Rafael Nadal will return to Melbourne for a special appearance at the Australian Open's Night of Legends, scheduled for February 1, the same day as the men's singles final.

The 39-year-old tennis great will be joined by former world No. 1 Ashleigh Barty and Australian wheelchair tennis legend Dylan Alcott.

Nadal, who retired from tennis in November 2024, lifted the trophy at Melbourne Park in 2009 and 2022, needing five sets in both finals to win the title. In the 2022 final, Nadal mounted an epic comeback from two sets to love down against Daniil Medvedev to reign victorious after a five-hour, 24-minute battle. The Spaniard tallied a 77-16 match record at the season's first major, according to the ATP Win/Loss Index.

Barty, meanwhile, became the first Australian woman in 44 years to win the singles title at Melbourne Park in 2022, just two months before announcing her retirement. Alcott is one of the most successful wheelchair tennis players in tournament history, claiming multiple singles and doubles titles.

Before Nadal, fellow tennis great Roger Federer also made a special appearance during the tournament's opening ceremony, joining a star-studded lineup that included Andre Agassi, Lleyton Hewitt, Patrick Rafter, and Ashleigh Barty in a celebratory exhibition.

Nadal also made a special return to the Roland Garros last year for a special farewell ceremony, where the fans and tennis stars paid tribute to the magnificent career of the 14-time French Open champion.

- IANS

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Reader Comments

A
Arjun K
Rafa's fighting spirit is unmatched. That five-hour final... pure grit. It's great to see legends like him and Barty celebrated. Makes me miss watching them compete.
R
Rohit P
Amazing lineup! But a small suggestion for the organizers - would be great to see a current Indian player involved in such events in the future to inspire the next generation here.
S
Sarah B
Ash Barty's retirement was so sudden. Glad she's still part of the tennis world in events like this. She and Nadal on the same court again will be special.
V
Vikram M
Respect for Dylan Alcott being included. Wheelchair tennis deserves this platform. Nadal's legacy is secure, but it's nice they are honoring all forms of the game.
K
Karthik V
The Big 3 era is truly over. Watching Federer at the opening and now Nadal... end of an era. Tennis won't be the same. But what memories they've given us!

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