What happened the last time Rafael Nadal played Andy Murray ahead of 2026 exhibition
Andy Murray and Rafael Nadal are set to face off in an exhibition match to celebrate the 10th anniversary of the Rafael Nadal Academy. The article reflects on their final professional ATP Tour meeting in 2016, where Murray defeated Nadal in the Madrid Open semi-finals.
Why it matters
The exhibition highlights the legacy of two of tennis's most iconic players and their long-standing professional rivalry.
Andy Murray will travel to Spain for the 'Rafa Nadal Academy Slam' later this year.
On Wednesday, September 23, it was announced that Team Rafa will play Team Murray in an exhibition event to commemorate the 10th anniversary of the Rafael Nadal Academy.
Further details will be announced over the coming days, but fans will certainly hope to see Murray and Nadal face off, reigniting one of the sport's greatest rivalries.
Murray and Nadal played 24 matches, with the Spaniard winning their head-to-head 17-4. But who won their final career meeting?
Entering the competition as the defending champion, Murray fancied his chances of making a deep run in Madrid. The British star defeated Nadal in the 2015 final and advanced to the 2016 semis setting up a rematch with the home favourite.
2R [WIN] vs Radek Stepanek, 7-6, 3-6, 6-1
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