Following his semifinal loss to Novak Djokovic in Indian Wells, Rafael Nadal will travel to Puerto Rico to play in a charity exhibition match.
The nine-time French Open champion was due to play against compatriot Pablo Andujar before he was forced to withdraw after recently undergoing surgery on his elbow. Instead, Nadal will play Dominican Republic’s Víctor Estrella Burgos. The two players have never played each other on the tour.
During the BNP Paribas Masters in Indian Wells, the 14-time Grand Slam champion spoke about the upcoming exhibition match.
“It’s always nice to go to different places”. Nadal recently said in Indian Wells.
“I have been several times at the airport in Puerto Rico, but I’ve never had the time to visit the country. I hope that in the short time I will be able to enjoy the people and the island. I am very excited.” He later added.
The charity match will be hosted at the José Miguel Agrelot Coliseum, the biggest indoor arena in Puerto Rico with a capacity of 18,500 spectators.
It has also been confirmed that Nadal will host a workshop with 250 children during his time on the Caribbean island.
The match will get underway on Monday at 2000 AST.
Serena Williams confirmed for April Exhibition
Puerto Rico will also host an exhibition match in April between world No.1 Serena Williams and home player Monica Puig. The match will take place on April 11th at the same venue as Nadal’s match. The event is being organized by the JB Group and they have said that the interest in the exhibition match has already been ‘exceptional’.
“The Coliseum will be open in full for the event. We want to encourage everyone in Puerto Rico to support Monica. The attention we have had on social networks has been exceptional.” The President of the JB Group recently told local media.
During the trip, Puig will host a workshop event with 100 children as part of a local community project.
