Rafael Nadal and Carlos Alcaraz are poised to take the spotlight in the 'Netflix Slam' in Las Vegas on Sunday, with reports suggesting that the two tennis heavyweights will receive substantial fees for their participation in the star-studded event.
Initially scheduled for March 2023, this event was postponed due to Nadal's injury troubles, and similar concerns have arisen leading up to this face-off with Alcaraz.
Nadal had to withdraw from an ATP Tour event in Qatar last month, unable to recover from the injury setback that had sidelined him during the Australian Open in January.
Subsequently, Alcaraz suffered an ankle injury in a tournament in Rio, raising worries that he might need to be replaced for the sold-out event in Las Vegas.
However, it appears that the two Spanish stars are fit enough to compete in an event that is being viewed as a trial for Netflix as they contemplate the possibility of featuring more live sports broadcasts.
“I’m honoured and so happy to be sharing the court with Rafa in Las Vegas,” US Open and Wimbledon champion Alcaraz told Netflix.
“He’s an all-time great, of course, and his records and achievements speak for themselves.
Nadal echoed similar sentiments as well. “I’m very excited for my first visit to Las Vegas,” said the 22-time Grand Slam champion.
“I’m also very excited to be playing with my fellow countryman Carlos Alcaraz. I am sure it will be a fantastic night of tennis.”
It's no surprise that these two affluent athletes are keen to participate in this unique event, given the speculation that they will each receive over $1 million for their involvement in the match.
This amount is not unfamiliar to Nadal, who has consistently commanded substantial appearance fees for exhibition matches and non-mandatory ATP Tour events over many years.
Alcaraz has also become a significant attraction for tournament organisers, with reports suggesting that the young Spaniard demands an appearance fee of $750,000 for his participation in tournaments.
In addition to the main event, MGM Resorts has arranged tennis sessions for fans with Nadal and Alcaraz, and private sessions with the stars come at a substantial cost of $150,000.
These private sessions have already sold out on the event's official website, while joint group clinics with the two former world No. 1 players are also available at a rate of $50,000 per person.
Netflix have announced that a host of big names will be involved for “on and off court commentary and play by play.”
Andre Agassi, Andy Roddick, Jim Courier, Mary Joe Fernández and Patrick McEnroe will all feature, as well as tennis analyst Prakash Amritraj and host Kay Adams, while Feliciano Lopez and David Ferrer will be heard by Spanish audiences.