22-time Grand Slam champion Rafael Nadal has arrived in Melbourne for a special appearance at the Australian Open’s Night of Legends on Sunday. This event coincides with the men’s singles final between Novak Djokovic and Carlos Alcaraz. Nadal will be part of the event alongside former world No. 1 Ashleigh Barty and Australian wheelchair tennis legend Dylan Alcott.
During the Night of Legends, fans can enjoy interactive activities, live music, and the chance to win prizes. Nadal, who is 39 years old, is expected to attend both the women’s and men’s finals from the players’ box. The tennis star, who retired in November 2024, has previously won the Australian Open title in 2009 and 2022, both times in five-set finals.
In the 2022 final, Nadal staged a remarkable comeback from two sets down against Daniil Medvedev, eventually winning the title after a grueling five-hour, 24-minute match. His overall record at the Australian Open includes a 77-16 match tally. The 2012 final between Nadal and Djokovic remains the longest match in Australian Open history, lasting 5 hours and 53 minutes and ending in Djokovic’s favor.
Before Nadal, tennis legend Roger Federer also made a special appearance at the tournament’s opening ceremony. The event featured a lineup of stars like Andre Agassi, Lleyton Hewitt, Patrick Rafter, and Ashleigh Barty in an exhibition. Nadal had a special return to Roland Garros last year for a farewell ceremony, honoring his illustrious career as a 14-time French Open champion.
