What is MGM Rewards Slam? All you need to know about exhibition tennis tournament

The exciting 2-day MGM Rewards Slam tournament features a star-studded panel, including Sabalenka and Zverev.

MGM Resorts International is set to showcase some of the world’s top tennis players in an electrifying two-day event. This highly anticipated showdown will unfold on March 1 and 2 at the Michelob ULTRA Arena at Mandalay Bay, in the heart of Las Vegas.

World No. 1 Aryna Sabalenka will take on former No. 1 Naomi Osaka in Saturday’s popular event. Sabalenka, a two-time reigning Australian Open champion, has claimed 23 career titles across singles and doubles and is set to defend her 2024 U.S. Open title later this year. Osaka, a four-time Grand Slam champion, secured her first two major titles back-to-back at the 2018 U.S Open and 2019 Australian Open.

Jannik Sinner, the current World No. 1, was slated to compete in the event but will be unavailable due to his ongoing three-month doping ban. The Italian has been replaced by World Number 5 Casper Ruud, who will rub shoulders alongside World No. 2 Alexander Zverev, American stars Taylor Fritz and Tommy Paul, ranked fourth and ninth respectively, complete the thrilling four-player showdown.

“The 2024 ‘Netflix Slam’ at Mandalay Bay was a huge success and one of our most entertaining sporting events of the year,” said Lance Evans, MGM Resorts’ Senior Vice President of Sports and Sponsorships. “We anticipate creating another memorable event experience as tennis fans worldwide will enjoy watching the sport’s best players compete at the highest level in Las Vegas.”

Also Read: Which tournaments will Jannik Sinner miss due to doping ban?

When & where will the MGM Rewards Slam take place?

The MGM Rewards Slam 2025 will take place on March 1 and 2, 2025, at the Michelob ULTRA Arena at Mandalay Bay Resort and Casino in Las Vegas, Nevada.

Which players constitute the MGM Rewards Slam?

• World Number One Aryna Sabalenka
• 4-time Grand Slam winner Naomi Osaka
• World Number Two Alexander Zverev
• World Number Four Taylor Fritz
• World Number Five Casper Ruud
• World Number Nine Tommy Paul

What is the tournament format?

All four men’s singles players including Alexander Zverev, Casper Ruud, Taylor Fritz, and Tommy Paul will compete in a round-robin event using 10-point tiebreakers. The two players with the most points will meet in the championship for the Lion’s Cup.

What is the prize money?

Details are awaited.

Also Read: Top 10 richest tennis players of all-time

How different is it from usual ATP/Grand Slam tournaments?

The MGM Rewards Slam 2025 is an exhibition event, unlike ATP or Grand Slam tournaments, as it offers no ranking points and focuses on entertainment.

Players who missed out on MGM Rewards Slam

Jannik Sinner was supposed to feature in the tournament, but after his ban will stay away from action for three months. Casper Ruud replaced Sinner.

Also Read: List of singles players to achieve Career Grand Slam

Previous edition of the event

The 2024 competition, was the inaugral event of the MGM Rewards Slam, previously known as the Netflix Slam. The final was played between Spanish legend Rafael Nadal, and young sensation Carlos Alcaraz. The 22-time Grand Slam winner won the opening set of the exhibition match 6-3, while Alcaraz won the second set 6-4.

The last set of the match was a nail-biting 10-point tie break, during which Nadal first tied the score at 9-9 with one of his signature volleys. Alcaraz emerged victorious eventually 14-12 in the final round, making him the winner of The Netflix Slam.

Player reaction ahead of the event

“It should (be) fun, I think last year was a success with Rafael Nadal and Carlos Alcaraz. You want to be the last man standing for sure, it’s a lot of good players. I think it should be pretty tough competition with four players in the top 10”, said Casper Ruud.

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