Netflix Announces Major Move Into Professional Tennis
One might not think of live sports when they think of Netflix, but the streaming giant is looking to change that. Last month, the service debuted its first live sports event, the Netflix Cup, which pit Formula 1 drivers from its popular Drive to Survive docuseries against golfers from golf docuseries Full Swing in a one-of-a-kind golf tournament.
While Netflix has branched into non-live sports content, its live coverage has up until now been quite limited. But the company is looking to change that. On March 3, 2024, Netflix will stream its first-ever live tennis match in what it's calling "The Netflix Slam." Spanish tennis superstars Rafael Nadal and Carlos Alcaraz will face off at the Michelob Ultra Arena in Las Vegas in one of several exhibition matches that will be announced at a later date.
Rafael Nadal. Carlos Alcaraz. Two tennis superstars. One epic matchup served LIVE on Netflix.
— Netflix (@netflix) December 11, 2023
The Netflix Slam ???? March 3 pic.twitter.com/Biri3BuF8L
With 22 Grand Slam titles to his name, Nadal is regarded by many as a modern-day tennis legend. Alcaraz, meanwhile, represents the next generation of greats as the 20-year-old is currently the number-two ranked player in the world. They were originally set to play each other at the venue in March of this year, but both had to cancel due to injuries. Their Netflix Slam meeting, then, will be a year in the making and a highly anticipated battle between Spaniards.
"I’m very excited for my first visit to Las Vegas, one of the most iconic and entertaining cities in the world," Nadal said in a statement of the event, per KTNV. “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.”
Alcaraz echoed a similar sentiment. "I’m honored and so happy to be sharing the court with Rafa in Las Vegas," the 2023 Wimbledon champ said. "He’s an all-time great, of course, and his records and achievements speak for themselves. Rafa also is one of the nicest guys on [the ATP] Tour and I look forward to our match on March 3."
Netflix will broadcast the match for both English- and Spanish-speaking markets live on March 3 starting at noon PT. If you want to attend the event in person, tickets start at $88 and go on sale on Dec. 15 at 10 a.m. PT.