Rafael Nadal to Headline Australian Open's 'Night of Legends'

Australian Open Nadal to headline 'Night of Legends' at Australian Open Event takes place on same day as AO men's final Patrick Hamilton/AFP via Getty Images Rafael Nadal won two Australian Open titles during his illustrious career. By ATP Staff Rafael Nadal will feature in the Australian Open’s Night of Legends event, to be held on 1 February, the same day as the men’s final. Nadal will be joined by former No. 1 in the PIF WTA Rankings Ashleigh Barty and Aussie wheelchair tennis player Dylan Alcott. There will be interactive fan activities, live music with a DJ and an opportunity to hear from the three stars inside Kia Arena. Fans can win prizes, such as tickets to the men’s final and a photo session with two-time Australian Open champion Nadal. Nadal, who retired from pro tennis in November 2024, lifted the Melbourne trophy in 2009 and 2022, needing five sets in both finals to win the title. In the 2022 final, Nadal mounted an epic comeback from two sets to love down against Daniil Medvedev to reign victorious after a five-hour, 24-minute battle. The 22-time major champion tallied a 77-16 match record at the season's first major, according to the Infosys ATP Win/Loss Index. Barty became the first Australian woman in 44 years to win the singles title at Melbourne Park in 2022, triumphing just two months before announcing her retirement. Alcott is one of the most successful wheelchair tennis players in tournament history, claiming multiple singles and doubles titles.