18-time grand slam champion Rafael Nadal will prepare for the upcoming Indian Wells Masters by participating in the second edition of the Eisenhower Cup presented by Masimo on March 10th.
The one-night showdown, which also features other top 10 players, is a Tie Break Tens event. Where players participate in a series of matches with the winner being the first to 10 points. The tournament is an eight-player elimination draw with the champion taking home $150,000. This is almost $50,000 more than what the winner of this week’s Argentina Open in Buenos Aires will win.
It is without a doubt that Nadal is the star attraction for both organisers and fans. The exhibition event is called ‘Rafa and friends.’ Also set to take part is Daniil Medvedev, Matteo Berrettini, Milos Raonic, Stan Wawrinka and Taylor Fritz. The eighth and final player to take part is yet to be named. The event will take place on Stadium 2, which is the second biggest court of the Indian Wells Tennis Garden.
“We are thrilled that The Eisenhower Cup presented by Masimo will once again serve as a kickoff to the BNP Paribas Open and raise funds for local charities,” tournament director Tommy Haas said in a statement. “A huge thank you to Rafa and all of these incredible players for taking part in such a fantastic event. What a perfect way to welcome everyone to another year in Tennis Paradise.”
Raonic will be hoping to win the Eisenhower Cup for a second year in a row. Last year the Canadian defeated Gael Monfils, Marin Cilic and Wawrinka en route to the $150,000 prize. Nadal lost in the semi-finals to Wawrinka.
Proceeds raised from ticket sales to the event will be donated to local charities such as Masimo’s Patient Safety Movement and Family YMCA of the Desert. Last year, more than $500,000 was raised.
This year’s Indian Wells Open will get underway on March 9th. The winners of the men’s and women’s event will each take home $1,361,360 in prize money.
