Rafael Nadal is set to participate in a tennis exhibition event in Las Vegas early next year, marking his return to competitive play in the United States since retiring two years ago. The 22-time Grand Slam champion will headline “The MGM Slam presented by Capital One,” scheduled for February 28 at the T-Mobile Arena, event organizers announced Monday.

Nadal, who last appeared in the U.S. at a similar exhibition in Las Vegas in 2024 during his final season, expressed enthusiasm about competing again. “I remember how impressive it was to feel the energy of a full arena in a city like Las Vegas,” the 40-year-old said. “Now I return in a different stage of my life, without the pressure of the tour but with the same passion for this sport.” He added that although his professional career has concluded, his love for competition endures.

Details about additional players and the tournament format will be announced in the coming weeks. The event is scheduled just before the ATP 1000 tournament in Indian Wells, California. Last year, the Las Vegas exhibition featured eight players competing in a tiebreaker style format.

Nadal’s career achievements include a record 14 French Open singles titles, four U.S. Open championships, and two titles each at the Australian Open and Wimbledon. He also earned Olympic gold medals in both singles and doubles. This upcoming exhibition represents Nadal’s first U.S. appearance since retiring, offering fans a chance to see the tennis star compete once more in a less demanding setting.